The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

John Swinney’s plans to overhaul how local government works in Scotland have already proven controversial. The Scottish Government wants to introduce new larger, regional councils along with smaller, community authorities. But electoral expert Allan Faulds, who runs Ballot Box Scotland, explains why he thinks the SNP’s current proposals are deeply flawed.

SNP MP Lara Bird interview The MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry talks Westminster, Burnham, Palestine and independence. Elected in June, Lara also talks about her experience so far with online hate and being a young woman in frontline politics. Listen to our featured interview as her SNP colleagues meet in Aberdeen for annual conference.

New Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra is a few weeks into the top job. He's made it through his first encounters at First Minister's Questions, and he's given his first set-piece speech to UK Labour conference. How is the man who once told Andy Burnham to "shut up" doing in the new role? We caught up with him after making it through the party's conference in Liverpool.

The team reassembles for a summer catch-up just as we get a brand new prime minister. Is this a democrat outrage or actually what the UK needs? What does it mean for Scotland and Holyrood? And what early signs can we see on what Andy Burnham will actually do in office?

Were you paying attention during the Scottish election? Do you have the brains to take on the toughest test in hyper-niche political questioning? Then you should play along with our traditional end of term Stooshie quiz. There is no prize other than personal glory. Enjoy.