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The Herald Scotland
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Matt Forde: Joanna Cherry 'best SNP leader they never had'
His comments come ahead of a host of political interviews and shows he will be taking to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next month. Political comedian Matt Forde (Image: David Monteith-Hodge) They include his podcast the Political Party, where the former SNP MP will be one of his guests. Earlier this year, Ms Cherry, a KC and critic of gender self-ID, demanded an apology from former first minister Nicola Sturgeon after the Supreme Court ruled that sex in the Equality Act refers to biological sex. The SNP politician also called on John Swinney to respect the judgment and women's rights to single-sex spaces. READ MORE: Asked if they will discuss the current SNP leadership during the show, Mr Forde told The Herald's Unspun Live podcast: 'Oh, absolutely. Especially as, for a lot of people, she is the sort of best leader they never had.' He added: 'There's a whole load of people in the Yes Movement who would love to see Joanna Cherry as the leader of it and who she probably more closely aligns with. 'Her assessment of the current SNP government and how it's doing and what its prospects are is absolutely high on the list [of questions to ask]. 'Obviously, we know how she feels about Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney, so I will definitely be asking her about that.' Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry on the campaign trail with First Minister John Swinney (Image: Jane Barlow/ PA Wire) Ms Cherry was defeated in the battle for Edinburgh South West in last year's general election by Labour's Scott Arthur, a former councillor and convener of the City of Edinburgh Council's transport committee. She was one of 38 SNP MPs to lose their seat. She recently criticised Mr Swinney for having no appetite for understanding why the SNP suffered such a huge defeat. 'Joanna is in a particular place with her relationship with the SNP at the moment which makes her fascinating,' Mr Forde told the podcast. 'She's also one of the most compelling guests I've ever interviewed.' The comedian described Ms Cherry as 'talented, sharp and on the different side of a number of the debates to friends in the SNP.' Asked if a party rebel like Ms Cherry makes for a better guest than someone toeing the party line, he said: 'When you've got someone who is a bit more rebellious or on a different side of a particular debate within a movement, I just think it's so much more interesting because it's really refreshing for the public to hear different voices from within the political parties and movements, particularly on issues like the ones Joanna has effectively been a rebel on.' The comedian said he was keen to distinguish between two types of outspoken people in politics: those for whom rebellion is 'part of their DNA' and those who are forced to be. For him, Ms Cherry is the latter. 'There are different types of rebellion,' he explained. 'There are people who are rebels by design. Someone like Jeremy Corbyn is always going to rebel. That's just who he is—it's part of his DNA. 'I don't necessarily think that is what Joanna is. I think she is someone who has probably been—and I can't speak for her—but my assessment is that she is someone who is in tune with public opinion on a whole range of social issues and has found it really difficult to be part of a party and a movement that has gone down a particular route. 'Had things been different I think she wouldn't have been a rebel. That is fairly obvious, but she is mainstream really—she's not a fringe politician whose rebellion is part of who she is. I think she has been driven to it.' Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, will also appear alongside Mr Forde. He said he hopes to tease out the personal side of the UK minister onstage. 'He's a really good laugh,' the comedian said. 'So I think I'll sort of coax him out a bit.' Ian Murray Secretary of State for Scotland arrives in Downing Street, London, for a Cabinet meeting in June this year. (Image: Gareth Fuller/ PA Wire) The comedian and self-proclaimed 'political obsessive' said it is a difficult time for the Scottish Labour MP. He explained Mr Murray currently has 'his foot in both camps' in trying to win over both Scottish and UK Labour: 'The change in his fortunes from being the only Labour MP in Scotland to all of a sudden being Secretary of State for it. 'He, more than any other member of that Cabinet, is tied to Scottish Labour in a way that none of the others are.' He added: '[I want to] get a sense of how he has found that first year of trying to manage what Labour needs to do to win in Scotland without, effectively, trashing what Labour are doing at a UK level.' Known for voicing Donald Trump, Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer on the satirical TV show Spitting Image, the comedian has also been brushing up his impersonations of Scottish politicians, namely Anas Sarwar and John Swinney, before he heads to the Fringe. 'I would say my Swinney is basically fine. I would say my Anas is better,' he said. Matt Forde with Spitting Image puppet Boris Johnson (Image: contributed) On impersonating Mr Swinney, he said: 'Obviously John's a lot more softly spoken. In fact, Jim Murphy was a wee bit like that. A lovely, whispery way like that.' Having a go at the Scottish Labour leader's accent, Mr Forde said: 'I would say my Anas is a kind of cartoony, squeaky mix of that beautiful accent that he has got which is a mix of the Scottish Pakistani accents. 'I am dialling up the squeakiness of him but sometimes you have to caricature it a bit to get the vibe.' The comedian, said he may resort to fan favourites, such as his Gordon Brown impersonation, to win over the Scottish audiences. Mr Forde will also bring Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Scottish political broadcaster Kirsty Wark on to the stage. He is keen to chat to Mr Khan about devolution and mayoral systems and discuss media coverage of Scottish politics with Ms Wark. The Fringe is a particularly emotive place for Mr Forde, as he discovered he had cancer while performing at the festival a few years ago. In his stand-up show, Defying Calamity, he will open up about this experience and how important it is to remain positive despite the current political climate and what life throws at you. Mr Forde, who is now cancer-free, said: 'Even though I am frustrated at the state of politics and the state of the world, I still feel really good about life. 'I realise that's from a position of relative privilege. I realise I'm not living on the eastern border of Ukraine or in Gaza. 'When you are forced to really conclude that though, I feel so lucky that I had that experience.' Matt Forde impersonating Donald Trump on his show Unspun (Image: contributed) He also said he would share 'funny ailments' with the audience such as having a stoma, being incontinent and having erectile dysfunction. 'Surely all these are classic subjects for comedy alongside the political stuff?' he joked. Mr Forde added: 'Life is about more than politics and you have to liberate yourself from it a bit.' The comic said he was looking forward to coming back to the capital in August. 'It's just always the most exciting time of the year,' he said. 'I love Edinburgh as a city, I love the festival. I love being a part of it. I just think it's the most magical place.' You can listen to the full interview with Matt Forde on The Herald's Unspun Live podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Matt Forde returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his new stand-up show Defying Calamity, running at the Pleasance Beyond from July 30 to August 24 at 8pm. He will also host four Political Party specials: Ian Murray (August 7), Joanna Cherry (August 13), Kirsty Wark (August 21) at the Gilded Balloon, all at 2.45pm; and Sadiq Khan (August 24) at McEwan Hall at 5.30pm. Tickets available at
The Herald Scotland
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Leishman: 'More austerity to fix austerity makes no sense'
Speaking to Unspun Live, The Herald's politics podcast, the Alloa and Grangemouth MP said: 'This is a welfare reform that will be critically important for people. It could be lethal. "We've seen what austerity did for 14 years. It was the cause of hundreds of excess deaths. More austerity to combat initial austerity makes no sense.' His intervention came as Health Secretary Wes Streeting insisted the revised plans had 'put us in a much better position' and would give 'peace of mind' to existing claimants. READ MORE The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill faced almost certain defeat in the Commons on Tuesday, after 126 Labour MPs backed an amendment that would have effectively derailed the flagship reforms. The legislation aims to restrict eligibility for PIP in England and limit sickness-related payments under Universal Credit, as part of a package aimed at saving up to £5 billion a year. PIP has mostly been devolved to the Scottish Government, which began replacing it with Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in 2022. The SNP administration has ruled out replicating the changes. However, any change in PIP spending will have an impact on the block grant. Last-ditch talks with rebels saw No 10 promise to apply the reforms only to new claimants from November 2026. Current Universal Credit recipients will also have their incomes protected in real terms. A review of the PIP assessment process will be led by Disabilities Minister Sir Stephen Timms and 'co-produced' with disabled people. The tweaks are expected to cost around £1.5 billion. While the vote may still be close, the Prime Minister is now expected to win. Mr Leishman said that despite the changes, he would not vote for the bill. He told The Herald he believed the legislation was being 'rushed through' and was 'certainly not going to be fit for purpose'. Asked what changes he would like to see, the MP said Labour should start again and 'engage with the organisations and charities, people that work on the front line, and see exactly what life is like for disabled people, for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society'. The Prime Minister admitted this weekend that he had not fully focused on the scale of the rebellion until late last week, saying international commitments had taken priority. He told the Sunday Times: 'Getting it right is more important than ploughing on with a package which doesn't necessarily achieve the desired outcome... I take responsibility for all the decisions made by this Government.' But Mr Leishman said there was a broader failure of political listening. 'I think it's fair to say there's a whole multitude, a whole raft of issues that the leadership haven't been listening nearly enough to—certainly not to backbench MPs, but also, as well, to the grassroots Labour membership.' 'When I went to Scottish Labour conference in February, and when I went to the STUC Congress in Dundee only a couple of months ago, the rank-and-file Labour Party membership and the trade union movement were not happy,' he added. 'They're not content with what we've done in our first year in government. We must do better.' The MP has become a prominent voice among Labour's Scottish left. He said his loyalty was to his constituents, the Labour Party and the wider movement. 'If every MP just relied on the lines from the party and never deviated, that breeds disenchantment and disenfranchisement with politicians,' he said. 'Say what you mean, and mean what you say. That's what I'm trying to do with my time in Parliament.' READ MORE Mr Leishman, who has called for a 2% annual wealth tax on multimillionaires, said the leadership needed to offer a clearer vision. 'We have got to present a change that the country needs, and that means a redistribution of wealth, power and opportunity for the benefit of the many in society. 'That's what we've got to do and if we do that—forget the SNP, forget Reform, forget the Tories, forget all of them. Because if we as a Government actually improve people's living standards and give them better public services, give them more money, give them reduced bills, actually allow them to participate in society... it's great for the economy, and we've improved people's living standards—and we'll get a second term. "It's very simple, in my opinion.' Speaking ahead of tomorrow's vote, the SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn said the last minute deal was "rapidly unravelling as the details emerge." "It is becoming clear that it was a deal designed to save the skin of the Prime Minister, but a deal that will end up punishing those who are young or newly disabled." He said Anas Sarwar should instruct his MPs to "stand firm against this two-tier disability system."
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Autism crisis in Scotland: Can Scot Gov learn from a golden retriever?
The reason it is so touching is because it's about how important human connection and support is and how, for many without that support, their life is incredibly difficult. I like to see Henry as a metaphor for the support that all autistic people should receive. That reliable force which helps you live a positive, well-rounded life should be in place for everyone. Sadly, however, many are left in a perennial limbo of great uncertainty and anxiety as diagnosis waits are absurdly high and there remains a lack of support for many. A major survey report from Scotland's Autism organisations, covered by The Herald, found that half of respondents (50.65%) found it hard or very hard to get a referral for an autism assessment, with just over a fifth (21%) saying they had been refused a referral at some point. Some even reported waiting over seven years for a diagnosis. In the report, many described the current system in place as inconsistent and traumatic, with a lack of clear information and a postcode lottery for support. Imagine the amount of stress and anxiety such a system would cause an individual and their loved ones. READ MORE: Individuals in Scotland waiting seven years for autism diagnosis Analysis: Swinney's leadership is safe for now as plotters fall silent Fergus Ewing isn't the SNP's only problem in the Highlands Scotland's future according to politicians sounds bleak This limbo does not mean time itself is frozen. It means people who need and require help are stranded and left to fend for themselves in a world already full of stigma towards autistic people. The system is also leading to great inequality between those who can afford going private and those who can't. Some are forced to, and that can cause considerable financial hardship. Just over a fifth (21%) of respondents sought a private diagnosis, with long waiting times and the absence of a local adult assessment pathways cited as key factors. Organisations have called for the Scottish Government to introduce a national neurodevelopmental assessment guarantee, meaning any adult in Scotland can access an assessment pathway should they need to. They also want to see a nationwide guarantee regarding timely access to assessments, an improved experience for people going through the process, and better provision of post-diagnostic support. A Holyrood committee has just launched an inquiry into treatment pathways and support for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, we cannot let this inquiry drag on and we cannot allow for this issue be kicked into the long grass. 🎟️ Book now for The Herald's Unspun Live at the Edinburgh Fringe – featuring John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Kate Forbes and more The Scottish Government has accepted that long waits are unacceptable but, for those experiencing this deafening silence when it comes to support and diagnosis, this is not good enough. People are making incredible sacrifices, they are stranded and have been let down. They are beyond giving the government a pat on the back for partly recognising the problem. What good does that do? The journey of getting an assessment is not an additional service or a nicety, it is an essential as many face a crisis situation. It is not right that autistic people should be consigned to a life of isolation. Scottish ministers should take a leaf out of our furry friend Henry's book. They should have his empathy and support at the forefront of their minds to fix the problems causing so much pain.
The Herald Scotland
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Unprecedented £40 million bailout for Dundee University
It follows the publication of a damning report into the university's handling of its financial crisis. The Gillies Report, published last week, led to the resignation of three senior staff members, including interim principal Professor Shane O'Neill. It described the circumstances which led to the establishment needing a government bailout as "self-inflicted". Ms Gilruth said the funding has been agreed "in principal" with the Scottish Funding Council, which normally issues cash independently. But "specific conditions" will be placed on the funding, and it will only be released after a long-term recovery plan is put in place by the university. Dundee University already received a £22 million bailout in February, meaning the Scottish Government has now provided £62 million for the institution this year. Read more: That bailout was part of a £25 million package made available to the SFC to help universities facing significant financial challenges. "This is a unique and unprecedented set of circumstances which require a unique and unprecedented response,' Ms Gilruth said in a statement in Holyrood on Tuesday. Dundee University is currently struggling to deal with a £35 million financial black hole, with the institution warning hundreds of job losses could be needed. The scathing report into the institution's finances also criticised Professor Ian Gillespie, who resigned as principal in December. It described him as having an "overbearing leadership style". 🎟️ Book now for The Herald's Unspun Live at the Edinburgh Fringe – featuring John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Kate Forbes and more As well as the resignation of the interim principal, the acting chair of court, Tricia Baym and chair of finance and policy Carla Rossini brought forward their own departures to quit with immediate effect. Ms Gilruth added: "Where there has been the appearance of financial mismanagement at an institution, Scottish ministers are obliged to consider whether it is necessary or expedient to issue a direction to the SFC about the provision of financial support. 'Subject to the public value tests I have set out today, Scottish ministers consider it is both necessary and expedient for a direction to be issued to the SFC under Section 25 of the Further and Higher Education Scotland Act 2005. 'The use of this power is unprecedented and has been made necessary by the exceptional circumstances at the university.' But she told MSPs the £40 million was not about "rewarding failure". Read more: Miles Briggs, education spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said: 'While the priority must be ensuring Dundee University gets on the road to recovery, it is hard to accept that we should just draw a line under the financial vandalism that went on for far too long. 'Those responsible for that gross mismanagement have rightly fallen on their sword but we must now see SNP ministers robustly scrutinise how the university will bring their finances into a sustainable position going forward. 'Staff and students remain deeply concerned about the precarious position the university finds itself in and will be worried that there appears to be no sign of a Plan B currently. 'There was clearly something rotten with the culture that was allowed to fester within Dundee University and that came from the very top. 'Too many of Scotland's universities are in an unsustainable position currently, yet we are still to see SNP ministers or university bosses address this crisis with the leadership that is required.'
The Herald Scotland
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's future according to politicians sounds bleak
From a lack of bold visions to talks of increasing misogyny, politicians weren't exactly awe-inspiring at an event on Scotland's future yesterday. Scotland 2050. An event you may think promises chat about flying cars and robots taking over our jobs. In earlier discussions there were certainly mentions of AI and technological change but the pull for Scottish political correspondents like me was politicians setting out their visions for Scotland in the future. This offered the likes of the First Minister and the Scottish Labour leader a chance to set out bold and ambitious plans. The need for politicians to do so is becoming all the more pressing. Recent studies such as the Youth Poll show that young people are losing faith in the political systems and are worried about their future. Yet, listening to politicians yesterday I was left more fearful and depressed about where we will be in 25 years. READ MORE: Why FM is suddenly talking about Scottish independence John Swinney looks to the past as he plans for the future The Herald's Unspun Live heads to the Edinburgh Fringe In conversation with Cherie Blair, Kate Forbes told us the "destructive nature" of social media "cannot be overstated". The deputy First Minister branded actor Rupert Everett's recent description of Nicola Sturgeon as a 'witch' as 'abhorrent' and 'totally misogynistic'. Ms Forbes went on to say that we have been talking about the issue of misogyny for the last six or seven years and 'it's only got worse in that time'. As commendable as it is for Ms Forbes to speak out against this, this reality may push more women, who fear the ever-growing threat of online abuse, away from public life. How we prevent this still remains uncertain with a preventative measure- the Online Safety Act - yet to be fully implemented. It's not as if political leaders are cloth-eared when it comes to paying heed to issues such as youth apathy. When Anas Sarwar began his keynote speech with talk of what sort of Scotland he wants to see for his 16 year-old son, he understood the assignment. The future is the younger generation. But then a myriad of questions followed. 'What does a prosperous, hopeful and thriving Scotland mean for the NHS, housing, workforce, skills, education etc?' he posed. 'Care to tell us, Mr Sarwar?', I thought. (Image: staff) Tickets for Unspun Live at the Edinburgh Fringe are available now — click here to book your place. Five minutes in, he spoke of using Scotland's 'maximum levers' to 'make it fit for future generations'. He's also said we need to 'do things differently' to achieve 'positive outcomes', as he mentioned cutting taxes. 'Tinkering around the edges is not going to work', he insisted. And I agreed but my brow furrowed as I tried to work out what his plans for a future Scotland were, away from abstract language... Setting out his vision, the First Minister spoke of the growing risks to democracy because of misinformation, more frequent conflicts, increasing inequalities and climate change. Although an impending reality it's not exactly the most stirring way to begin a speech on our future. 'The Scotland of 2050 will be shaped by a series of unpredictable forces', he warned as if leading an intergalactic space mission into the ominous unknown. For Mr Swinney, a prosperous future will ultimately be achieved through Scotland becoming an independent country and rejoining the EU. Yet with no clear strategy to achieve this, I cannot imagine his words are setting the heather alight amongst Indy supporters and others. After the speech, a former SNP MP told me the First Minister needs to be given space to set out his plans for a future Scotland. But with 11 months to go till voters head to the polls, politicians really need to unveil plans to inspire future generations soon. Although important to raise, nobody will be inspired by talk dominated by a 1984-esque dystopian world view full of Andrew Tate-bots that awaits us.
