On 22nd May 2025, the Social Democratic Party selected Craig Houston as its first Party Leader in Scotland. With a background in sales and football campaigning, he moved from political apathy to popular podcaster in November 2023, when news broke that Michael Matheson, then Scottish Health Minister, had submitted an £11,000 expenses claim for roaming charges on a family holiday. Since then, he has become a powerful voice in Scottish politics, articulating what many feel about the failure of politicians to represent the interests of ordinary people.
Craig says: “When I found out what Michael Matheson had done, I expressed my anger on a video and posted it on my YouTube channel, which I’d set up for football interviews. My videos now attract six-figure audiences. I think people see themselves in me – someone with no political background worth speaking of who just wants to make a positive difference to his country.”
Craig joined the SDP a year ago, and was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response. He says: “I like the fact that the SDP is neither left nor right. And it’s a genuinely democratic party, with ordinary members influencing party policies at its conferences.” Many people see him as a positive asset for Scotland and support his political ambition.
Craig says: “I’ve started saying ‘let Scotland work’, because it seems obvious that we aren’t working as a nation. 20–25% of our young people will never contribute to PAYE or national insurance. That is absolutely terrifying for a country that was renowned for its engineering and ingenuity. We need to inspire people to get up and go and work.”
SDP Leader William Clouston states: “I’m delighted that Craig Houston has become the SDP’s Party Leader in Scotland. Craig is passionate about both Scotland and Britain. This is clear to anyone who meets him or hears him speak – he’s an excellent communicator. The SDP is aiming high in Scotland – we’re targeting next year’s elections to the Scottish Parliament in Hollyrood. I look forward to working with Craig and our committed SDP members on future campaigns.”
Notes to editors:
1/ For further information, and to arrange interviews, please contact William Clouston, SDP Party Leader, in the first instance – leader@sdp.org.uk.
2/ For more information about the SDP, please consult the SDP website.
3/ Watch Craig Houston’s videos on his YouTube channel, Craig Talks To.
