What’s the Point? | Scottish Local Politics

Delegated Authority, Councillor Decisions (who controls the council?) and our National Team. Ep 55

Who really runs your council? The councillors you elect, or the officers behind the scenes?This week on What’s the Point?, we tackle one of the biggest questions in local democracy: delegated authority. How much power is actually held by elected councillors, how much is delegated to officers, and where does accountability sit when major decisions are made? We break down how councils operate, who makes the decisions, and why understanding the difference matters to every taxpayer and voter.We also discuss:What delegated authority really meansThe balance of power between councillors and council officersWho is responsible when controversial decisions are madeTransparency, accountability and local democracyThe latest developments involving our national teamThe stories and issues making headlines this weekAs always, Greg and Gerry bring their mix of political insight, humour, and straight-talking analysis as they ask the questions others won't.📻 Live every Tuesday at 7pm on Listen Lanarkshire 107.7FM🎙️ Podcast available every Thursday📱 Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube💬 Who do you think really controls the council? Let us know in the comments.#WhatsThePoint #LocalGovernment #DelegatedAuthority #CouncilPolitics #NorthLanarkshire #ScottishPolitics #Democracy #Accountability #Councillors #LocalDemocracy #Podcast #PoliticalPodcast #NationalTeam #ListenLanarkshire

James Marvin, Local Historian / NLs TIKTOK Sensation. Ep 54

This week on What's the Point?, we're joined by James Marvin, better known online as Scotland by Prestige, to explore the fascinating history and heritage of North Lanarkshire and beyond. From abandoned mines and ancient priories to forgotten landmarks, museums, and hidden gems, James has built a loyal following through his engaging short videos that bring Scotland's rich history to life. Coming from humble beginnings, his passion for uncovering local stories has captured the attention of thousands across social media, including us. We'll be discussing some of Lanarkshire's most intriguing historical sites, the importance of preserving our heritage, and the opportunities available for residents and visitors to explore Scotland's past.

Brian Leishman MP, future of Scottish Labour, Grangemouth and Suspension. Ep 53

Our guest tonight is Brian Leishman MP, one of Scottish Labour's most outspoken politicians and a man who seems to have spent much of his Westminster career testing the theory that MPs are supposed to do what the party leadership tells them.A former councillor, trade unionist and professional golfer, Brian made the jump from local government to Westminster in 2024 when he was elected as the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth. Since then, he's built a reputation for saying exactly what he thinks, whether his own party likes it or not.That independent streak landed him in hot water in 2025 when he became one of four Labour MPs suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party after repeatedly rebelling against the Government, particularly over welfare reforms. While Labour HQ was counting votes, Brian was telling anyone who'd listen that he wasn't elected to make vulnerable people poorer.He's campaigned on the future of Grangemouth, challenged his party leadership on welfare, and become one of the most recognisable voices on Labour's left. Depending on who you ask, he's either standing up for his principles or giving party whips regular headaches.Tonight we'll find out whether Westminster is everything he thought it would be, what really happened behind the scenes during his suspension, whether Labour is still the party of working people, and perhaps most importantly whether being suspended by your own party is actually as stressful as it sounds.#WhatsThePoint#localgovernment #BrianLeishman#ScottishPolitics #ScottishLabour #LabourParty#Westminster #Politics #PoliticalPodcast

Reform’s Graham Simpson MSP, Reform UK’s Scotland Surge & Council Elections in 27. Ep. 52

This week on What's the Point? We’re joined by Reform UK MSP Graham Simpson.As Reform emerges as one of the newest and fastest-growing groupings at Holyrood, now positioning itself as a major opposition force following the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, we ask what Scotland can expect next. We’ll discuss:* What Reform UK actually stands for in Scotland* Whether local government reform is on the horizon ahead of the 2027 council elections* How Reform plans to challenge the political establishment* What Graham Simpson’s move from the Conservatives to Reform says about the changing political landscape * And what voters can realistically expect from Reform over the next five yearsWith growing influence at Holyrood and increasing debate around governance, devolution, public spending and political reform, this promises to be a fascinating conversation. 📻 What’s the Point?Tuesday at 7PM on Listen Lanarkshire 107.7FM🎧 Podcast available Thursday. #UKPolitics #LocalGovernment #BreakingPolitics#PoliticalPodcast #Democracy #ScotlandTikTok

Former MP Hugh Gaffney, His New Book, Life in Politics and NLC SNP Madness. Ep 51

Former MP Hugh Gaffney joins Gerry and Greg for Episode 51 of What’s the Point? to discuss his new book "Auchengeich: Gone But Not Forgotten", which tells the story of the devastating Auchengeich Pit Disaster and the lasting impact it had on Lanarkshire communities and mining families. We also dive into Hugh’s time as both a North Lanarkshire councillor and MP, the realities and pitfalls of Westminster politics, and ask whether public procurement in Scotland is actually delivering value for taxpayers and communities. The conversation then turns to the latest North Lanarkshire Council drama, including the SNP Group’s motion to remove the Lord Provost over an incident that took place four years ago, an incident the Standards Commission for Scotland already dealt with through censure and a warning not to repeat the behaviour. After the Linden scandal and the loss of the £10,000 opposition leader payment, we ask: is this genuine accountability, political payback, or simply an attempt to remain relevant? We also discuss the recent Housing Committee meeting that lasted just 15 minutes, with minimal scrutiny despite over £160 million in contracts being awarded. Is this the standard of governance the public should expect from North Lanarkshire Council? All this and much more on Episode 51 of What’s the Point?🎙 Listen Lanarkshire 107.7FM📲 Follow us: TikTok @whats.the.point.p