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

FAILED COMPLAINTS, CLUELESS LEADERSHIP & DO WE EXPECT ANYTHING LESS FROM NLC SNP.

🎙️ What’s the Point? | Episode 58 – The Podcast They Tried to Silence?  That’s a wrap for the season. On our final episode before the summer break, wego behind the scenes and ask why What’s the Point? has become one of Scotland’s most politically disclaimed local politics podcasts. We discuss the formal complaints made against the show’s hosts, including a complaint submitted by North Lanarkshire SNP Group Leader Cllr Tracy Carragher, and examine the wider events which, in our view, amounted to attempts to shutdown the podcast. Since recording this episode, we have also become aware of further complaints raised by Cllr Adam Smith, Cllr Richard Sullivan and Cllr Kirsten Larson, which we look forward to discussing in our first episode back in September. . We also explore: The complaints process and what happened next. The impact of political complaints on free debate. The balance between robust political discussion and internal party discipline. Whytransparency and accountability matter in local politics. Asalways, we’ll let you see the evidence and decide for yourself. Thank you to everyone who has supported the show this season. We’ll be taking a short summer break and will return in September. 👍 Like, Subscribe and Share. #WhatsThePoint#ScottishPolitics #NorthLanarkshire #LocalGovernment #Podcast #Accountability#Transparency

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