The Price of Power: Tax Rises, Public Cuts & Royal Shame

Go Radio Politics Show: November 2nd, 2025

This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.

Guests:

Paul McLennan:SNP

Kainde Manji: Labour

Liz Smith: Conservatives

This week’s episode dives deep into the political and fiscal crossroads facing both Westminster and Holyrood.

With the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves poised to deliver a potentially manifesto-breaking budget, Bernard and his panel dissect the implications for income tax, public spending, and the Scottish block grant.

The conversation intensifies around the Scottish Government’s billion-pound underspend and the looming £5 billion black hole predicted by the Auditor General.

In the final part of the podcast, the panel confronts the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew and its impact on the monarchy’s future.

Key Highlights:

Manifesto Mayhem? Will Labour break its pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT? Panelists weigh in on the fiscal gap and political fallout.

Scottish Budget Blues: The Auditor General warns of poor financial planning and a £5B deficit by 2030. Is Holyrood managing money efficiently?

Growth vs. Austerity: Can the UK and Scottish governments avoid cuts while stimulating growth? The panel explores productivity, public sector reform, and strategic planning.

Monarchy in Crisis: The disgrace of Andrew Windsor sparks debate on royal accountability, public trust, and whether this marks a tipping point for the institution.

Believe Women: A powerful call to centre the voices of survivors in the wake of the Epstein scandal.

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