Electoral Dysfunction

It sounds like concessions are being offered to the dozens of Labour MPs who had threatened to rebel over the government’s planned welfare cuts.  On this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet went over the possible options for the Prime Minister. They also talk about what Keir Starmer needs to learn from the chaos of the past few days.   Plus, is President Trump the "daddy" in his handling of the Israel-Iran conflict, as NATO head Mark Rutte may have suggested?  Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Days after Keir Starmer told Beth that a US strike on Iran wasn’t imminent, Trump ordered US bunker busters to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities.     But the UK’s position on the attacks are unclear. The focus is not on what the Prime Minister is saying – but what he isn’t saying. After a brief interview, it’s clear Keir Starmer isn’t willing to either endorse the strikes, or criticise President Trump.     For this extra episode Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss the delicate situation the UK Prime Minister finds himself after a full-blown escalation of the middle east conflict.  They ask what will be going through the minds of the Prime Minister and those around him – and if there are any answers the government can and will give in the coming days.     Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.  

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

Is Donald Trump about to join Israel in attacks on Iran, and will he ask Keir Starmer to help him out? If he does - would it even be legal? A lot has happened since Beth, Ruth and Harriet last got together, with further significant developments expected before a big NATO summit next week - a gathering we don't even know if the US president will turn up to. So how did we get to the point where we're asking whether the UK will allow its ally - the US - to use its airbases? And how does the current situation compare to the invasion of Iraq in 2003? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

A landmark bill is due to be voted on in the House of Commons next week that could decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.     Currently, any woman who has had an abortion after 24 weeks - without two doctors signing it off - could be jailed under a Victorian law. So why has it taken until 2025 for this vote? And who are the women whose stories have led to a potential change in the law?     Beth, Ruth and Harriet speak to Tonia Antoniazzi, the Labour MP proposing an amendment on the Crime and Policing Bill.     Also, are we going to see tax rises in the autumn budget after this week’s spending review? And is the Labour Party in turmoil over welfare cuts?     Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

As Rachel Reeves prepares for next week’s spending review, Beth explains why it could be a defining moment for the government and the chancellor is faced with difficult choices.  Harriet talks about the two-child benefit cap and whether the government can afford to scrap it.   And as Sir Keir Starmer puts the country on a war footing, Sky's defence correspondent Deborah Haynes joins Beth, Ruth and Harriet to talk about the strategic defence review and why there's no argument across parliament about defence spending.  Deborah also talks about her own podcast The Wargame, which is out next week and simulates an attack on the UK.  Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Beth is catching up with Andy Burnham - the Mayor of Greater Manchester – in his office for an extra episode this week, recorded on Tuesday. It’s just days to go until the chancellor unveils her Spending Review, and it’s set to be good news for the North – they are about to get billions for big transport projects. But is that a good enough offer to keep working-class Labour voters interested? Burnham explains why he thinks the government could be doing better to connect with the working classes and how to keep their votes from going to Reform and Nigel Farage. For him, it’s simple – better technical education and more social housing, something he’s working on with his extra devolved powers. Will he pave the way for national policy? Also, does he actually want to be the leader of the Labour Party? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Nigel Farage is using parliamentary recess to grab the microphone – he's been out and about during the half term holiday criticising the government and claiming Reform UK as the party for families. Harriet and Ruth ask whether he’s been smart in copying the tactics we’re used to seeing from leaders of the opposition.    It’s just a week on from that EU debate he missed in the House of Commons because he was on holiday himself. So what are the rules for MPs going away in term time? Harriet has a tale of her own.     Plus we have a holiday treat in the form of an interview with legendary satirist Armando Iannucci - recorded at the ED Live show in London.     Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Are Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves falling out over winter fuel payments? Beth tells us what she’s been hearing in Westminster about a rift between the pair and although it’s denied by Number 11, she’s heard there’s a “palpable tension” between the principal players over the change in policy.     Also, with a vote on welfare reforms coming up next month Beth, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss how it will play out with Labour MPs and whether the government is losing its grip despite having such a big majority.      Plus, Beth speaks to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds about the winter fuel U-turn and whether the government can get a better deal with Donald Trump.    Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

Another week, another sticky situation for the prime minister and some of his MPs - this time it's centred around his language on immigration. When Sir Keir Starmer announced his White Paper, he argued that Britain "risked becoming an island of strangers" if immigration levels were not cut. So was he intentionally evoking Enoch Powell's infamous 1968 Rivers Of Blood speech? Or was this a big mistake? Also, with the Assisted Dying Bill back in parliament this week, Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman go on a tour of the British Isles to look at how different parliaments are approaching their legislation. If MPs in Westminster vote their bill down, could it stop it in its tracks in Holyrood too? Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

With Ruth away, Beth and Harriet are joined by Salma Shah, a former Conservative special adviser from 2014-2018 and now a political commentator.      They unpack Donald Trump's surprise UK trade deal announcement and what it means for Keir Starmer, who's also landed a deal with India and is gearing up for key EU negotiations.       But while the global optics look strong, the domestic mood is tense. Harriet has some advice for the Labour backbenchers who are unhappy over welfare cuts and the winter fuel allowance policy.     Also - does Sir Keir Starmer need a hand with his comms?    Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/     Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!  

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, and Ruth Davidson assemble for an elections debrief.   Beth's been following a very happy Nigel Farage after Reform gained an MP in Runcorn, took the Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty and seized control of several councils.   But, how does the party promising change in its very name prove itself with greater power and responsibility?   They also discuss how Keir Starmer reacts to the Labour's losses (Harriet says he needs to deliver on what he's promised)   And what Kemi Badenoch has to do after a terrible set of results for the Conservatives (Ruth reckons it'll be worse for the 2026 set of elections)     Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/  Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss the UK Supreme Court's judgment on how a woman should be defined in law.  They also hear from Ellie, a trans woman who says she's now afraid for her safety and her future.  Harriet literally wrote the law in question, the Equality Act 2010 - she and the team dig into what the judgement means for individuals and institutions across the country.  And on May 1st, there are local and mayoral elections in England and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. The polling group More in Common have helped us hear what's on the minds of voters in Doncaster.  Find all the candidates in Doncaster and in your area at the Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information  Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/  Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/  The two Baronesses of the podcast finally lift the lid on the House of Lords in this special Q&A episode.     What’s it really like on the red benches in Parliament? And if you’re a Lord, are you a has-been?      Also – was Tony Blair actually cool in the 90s? Or was it just a more optimistic time in politics?  Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/  Donald Trump has pressed pause on his higher tariffs... but not before he unleashed absolute chaos on the global economy. It all came down to the bond market - which you might remember from Liz Truss's time as prime minister...  Alongside most countries, the UK still has the base level of 10% tariffs on exports and 25% on automobiles, so is the prime minister's "keep cool" strategy still paying off? Or is the UK just in the same boat, waiting along with everybody else for Trump's next move?  One thing's for sure - Harriet thinks the UK government is speaking in code. She says Starmer needs to speak up and reassure the British public a bit more.  Also, you might have noticed the excitement in the air because we're doing another live show! Come and join us on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/  Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!     Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Beth, Ruth and Harriet have some mid-week news for you... Get your diaries out because they're doing another live show in May! Tickets are on sale from Friday - for more information on dates and tickets, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Another episode, another cheap hotel room to record the podcast for Beth as she follows Keir Starmer for the Labour local election launch.  Ruth and Harriet are a bit closer to home to discuss the real implications of Donald Trump's scoreboard of tariffs.  It might have felt a bit Eurovision but how does the PM stay calm about what it means for the UK? Harriet explains how there are three camps in Labour with different views on whether the Chancellor's promise not to raise any more taxes can hold.  She also thinks one consequence of a UK-US trade deal could be 'heartbreaking'.  And with the makers of Netflix hit Adolescence going to Downing Street this week – we talk about how TV drama can make a difference in real life.  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.         Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!      Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible. 

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman analyse Rachel Reeves’s spring statement and how Donald Trump may have made things worse for her.    The chancellor has redone her maths to make sure she sticks to her own rules on running the economy - but in doing that she has got tougher on welfare cuts. Can Labour keep the dissenting voices within their own party quiet? Harriet has some insight on how they'll be trying to do that.     And do Trump's tariffs on US car imports (and the prospect of more tariffs looming) just put the chancellor on the backfoot anyway?   Also, after an American journalist was added to a US government Signal group, how much government business is done on apps? And how much loose-lipped gossip is on there?   Meanwhile, as Beth goes into the last few weeks of London marathon training, did we just start the Electoral Dysfunction run club?   Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.         Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!      Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible.    

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

As Rachel Reeves prepares to unveil the spring statement next week, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss what cuts the chancellor will make to close her budget deficit and how difficult it will be for her to justify her actions. They also examine the effects of this week's welfare reforms and look at what a change in the personal independence payment, or PIP, means for those who rely on it. Also, how will Sir Keir Starmer's "coalition of the willing" protect Ukraine from Russia without US support? The three look at how the prime minister is performing on the world stage and what difference he can make. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.           Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!      Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible.    

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Sir Keir Starmer is doubling down on his bid to reduce government waste, but is his plan a fix or just more spending spin? Beth is in Hull after hearing what the Labour leader is promising, including scrapping NHS England to "cut bureaucracy" and bring management of the health service "back into democratic control".    Alongside Harriet and Ruth, they also discuss Starmer potentially facing down a rebellion from his own MPs over plans to shake up benefits reform and welfare payments.    The cracks are widening for Reform UK’s internal spat. Beth speaks to Andrea Jenkyns, who left the Tories to join Reform, on the party's latest bust-up, and Ruth and Harriet look at whether the party’s chaos is helping both Labour and the Conservatives.   Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.             And remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Beth’s been to 11 Downing Street to talk to the Chancellor for Electoral Dysfunction.  She took some of your questions (and a couple of Electoral Dysfunction mugs) with her.   Rachel Reeves reflects on her first few months in the job, explains what she thinks of the “Rachel from Accounts” label and shares her own money-saving tip which she tries to do every day when at Downing Street.  She also hints on what might come in her Spring Statement with some strong words on the need for welfare reform.  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.         And remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has returned from the US after what has been seen by Number 10 as a highly successful meeting with Donald Trump.  This week, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson look at the preparation that went into this visit. Beth reveals how she caught the US president's attention. Plus, what is it like in the Oval Office?  And how did Mr Trump react when he got that invitation from the King.    They also discuss the resignation of development minister Annelise Dodds after the aid budget was cut to boost defence spending and ask  whether this will dent Mr Starmer's post-Trump confidence.      Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.         And remember, you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

What could a pact between Nigel Farage’s Reform party and Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives look like? Are we about to see the Tory party lurch closer to the right?       Beth, Ruth and Harriet answer this and more, as they go through your questions – which means we also get the backstory to the iconic Beth Rigby red lipstick.       And how difficult is being married to an MP? We hear from Ruth’s partner Jen about their lives in the spotlight when Ruth was leader of the Scottish Conservatives.      Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.          And remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

Do MPs say one thing in public, and another in private? This week, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson ask what’s been going on with the two MPs suspended from the Labour party over WhatsApps messages containing offensive comments.   Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan both lost the whip after Sunday newspaper revelations.  It’s been a difficult week for Harriet – she's worked with Andrew Gwynne for a number of years and says it’s made her question her judgement.   Also – are we about to see by elections as a result?  And in the week the assisted dying debate is back in the news, we discuss the repercussions of the plan to scrap the need for High Court approval after Beth speaks to the MP who has campaigned for the changes, Labour’s Kim Leadbeater.  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.      Watch us on Youtube too - new videos every week here.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

This week, Ruth's changed her opinion about Kemi Badenoch – but it isn't any more favourable for the new Tory leader. Ruth had thought she'd get two years in the job – now she's thinking it might be less than 18 months.      Beth's in a hotel room in Preston after an interview with Keir Starmer. She reflects on how the prime minister can push his domestic message when most people want to talk about Donald Trump.      And Harriet goes all headmistressy with a warning to new Labour MPs in the "red wall" who've reportedly set up a group to lobby their leader for a tougher stance on migration.    She says: "We don't want factionalism and all these different tribes. Don't set up these flipping groups."  You can now watch us on YouTube! Just search for "Electoral Dysfunction". Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

You can now watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube! Just search for "Electoral Dysfunction". The chancellor was trying to channel Love Island when she announced her plans for growth this week. But are her new ideas actually the "bombshell" her advisers hope they'll be? Can they get everyone's attention? And will the strategy be enough for Rachel Reeves to keep all of the cabinet and the Labour Party on side when so many of them have been opposed to the third runway at Heathrow? Meanwhile, on the five-year anniversary of Brexit – is Sir Keir Starmer getting closer to Europe? Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

As Axel Rudakubana is sentenced for the murder of three young girls and the attempted murder of 10 more people last year, Electoral Dysfunction reflects on how the prime minister has handled claims that authorities covered up how much they knew about the killer in the days and weeks after. Beth discusses how Sir Keir Starmer answered her questions about those claims. Harriet calls for the public inquiry into the failings to be completed quickly and Ruth agrees with the PM about changing the legal definition of terrorism. Later in the podcast – how will Donald Trump impact UK politics? Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

After "going dark" for most of the week, Beth pops up in Poland to talk world politics with Ruth and Harriet. Top security, a slow train and Russian drones are all part of the inside story of the prime minister's visit to Ukraine. Beth explores why UK solidarity with Ukraine could mean British boots on the ground. And overshadowing everything is president-elect Trump. He is already leaving his mark on the world. Trump claimed his impending inauguration piled on the pressure to get the Gaza ceasefire deal through. Ruth, Harriet and Beth work out how the UK needs to manage its role in "Trump World". And in Ukraine, Beth finds out if the Trump era could leave the country feeling betrayed. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

We just want to let you know about a new Sky News podcast which is launching next week! Trump 100 will follow the daily twists and turns of Donald Trump's first 100 days in The White House with the latest updates and analysis...in under 15 minutes. Our top US team of James Matthews, Martha Kelner and Mark Stone will be joined by special guests to delve a little deeper into what's happening and why. It will be available every weekday morning from 6am as well as extended weekend editions. Follow Trump 100 wherever you heard this. Electoral Dysfunction will be back on Friday...as usual!

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

Beth, Harriet, and Ruth dive into the storm surrounding Elon Musk's incendiary comments about UK grooming gangs, Sir Keir Starmer, and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips.       They unpack the political fallout, whether Labour's response has been enough, and if the Conservatives have been opportunistic in their approach.       Plus, how Musk's influence mirrors larger challenges, from misinformation to political donations.       You can catch Beth's full interview with Jess Phillips in the Electoral Dysfunction podcast feed.      Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444   

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

In this extra episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Jess Phillips sits down with Beth and reveals what she has lived through in the past few weeks.      Elon Musk accused the Labour MP of being a "rape genocide apologist", putting her in the middle of a political storm.      As the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips also explains what the government is doing to tackle violence against women and girls.      Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.     

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

Former Conservative cabinet ministers Penny Mordaunt and Gillian Keegan join Beth, Ruth and Harriet in the studio to take us behind the scenes of the final days of the last government.    For their final podcasts of 2024, Beth and Ruth ask how the Conservatives fell from power and they get the inside track on Labour’s election campaign from Harriet.    In Part 2, we go inside the Cabinet Room in No 10 Downing Street and we find out what the King was up to on the day the election was called.    Also – how do you deal with an election campaign full of gaffes? And what happens when you lose your parliamentary seat?    Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Former Conservative cabinet ministers Penny Mordaunt and Gillian Keegan join Beth, Ruth and Harriet in the studio to take us behind the scenes of the final days of the last government.  For their final podcasts of 2024, Beth and Ruth ask how the Conservatives fell from power and they get the inside track on Labour's election campaign from Harriet.  In Part 1, Penny and Gillian look back at the low mood in the party at the end of 2023, going into the election year. What led Rishi Sunak to call the election early? And just how bad was it to have a front seat to the dysfunction?  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Beth, Harriet, and Ruth with their first Christmas episodes - answering your emails and voice notes.     From how to modernise the House of Lords, to what the fall of the Assad regime in Syria means for women.     And, who hosts the best Christmas party in Westminster?     Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

As Sir Keir Starmer sets out the six 'milestones' his government wants to hit before the next general election, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if leaving immigration off the list was a wise move for the PM.    Plus, as middle-class women of a certain age, they have some thoughts on the allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace.     Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.    Sky News has contacted representatives for Gregg Wallace for comment on the allegations against him.  His lawyers say it is "entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature".  A BBC spokesperson said any issues raised are taken seriously and there are "robust processes in place" to deal with them.They added: "We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated,"  Banijay UK, the Masterchef production company, has appointed a law firm to lead its investigation, It said the company takes complaints "incredibly seriously" but will not comment on individual allegations while the investigation is ongoing.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

As well as this week’s usual episode, Beth, Ruth and Harriet decompress after a busy Friday in Westminster.        The Assisted Dying Bill, which allows adults who are terminally ill to be provided with assistance to end their own lives, has passed through parliament. Ruth and Harriet react to the historic vote.       Plus, a cabinet minister has resigned after a "mistake" revealed by Sky News, less than five months into government. What does it mean for Keir Starmer    👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈        Email Beth, Ruth and Harriet at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

Does Kemi Badenoch need to work harder to get the public to understand what she’s about and what she stands for? Ruth’s got some advice for the new Conservative leader after her first few weeks in the job.    After a run of wins in local council seats, we ask if Labour and the Conservatives need to be more worried about Nigel Farage and Reform.     And, if you listen to this podcast sped up, things are going to get even faster at the start of the episode!     Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.     

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

In the week farmers descended on Westminster, Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask just how difficult these protests are for the government. They question whether the chancellor could roll back on her budget commitment to scrap the inheritance tax relief for agricultural property worth over £1m and whether Labour can afford to lose the rural vote.  Also, as Labour's Scottish leader Anas Sarwar distances himself from the government over winter fuel payments, Beth, Ruth and Harriet explore what the prime minister stands for as he grapples with huge domestic rows while meeting world leaders abroad at the G20 Summit. They also reflect on the life of John Prescott – the longest serving deputy leader of the Labour party and Harriet's old colleague.    Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. You can read this explainer for more on the farmers' protest and the row over inheritance tax.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

As well as this week's usual Electoral Dysfunction, Beth, Ruth and Harriet can be found on a another podcast for one week only. They debate what should lead the news on Tortoise's The News Meeting with host Basia Cummings. The agenda includes the need for a public inquiry into Mohamed Al Fayed, why we need to talk about Ukraine, and what Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day says about impartiality at the BBC. Listen here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/the-news-meeting/

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

MPs are about to get their first chance to debate and vote on an assisted dying bill for almost a decade. It'll be about a proposed law for England and Wales.       Ruth, Beth and Harriet discuss the hugely divisive issue on this episode - including whether Health Secretary Wes Streeting should have said that the law could impact other NHS services. Hariet thinks he's crossed a line. He plans to vote against the bill.      They also talk about trust in public institutions following the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury, asking has anyone got any faith left in them?       Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. You can read our Sky News explainer about the assisted dying bill here.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

Beth, Ruth and Harriet work out what Donald Trump’s second presidency will mean for the UK as they debrief the American election.     They heard from one of Theresa May’s advisors who had to deal with Trump when he was last in the White House and Harriet offers advice to Sir Keir Starmer.     She says: “We've got to invite him on a state visit... (it’s) key for our economy and our security.”     They also explain how his approach to trade deals could cost the British economy and what his leadership might mean for the war in Ukraine.     Plus, there’s still time to look over Kemi Badenoch’s first PMQs as Conservative leader.     Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444 

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the Conservative Party.    How will she rebuild the party? How controversial will she be as leader of the opposition? And what does she mean when she says it's time to "tell the truth"?    Beth, Ruth and Harriet bring you their reaction to the news in a special Saturday episode of Electoral Dysfunction.     Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444 

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2024

Is this the budget we were promised by Labour? And where will the fallout be for the government in the days and weeks to come?  On the day after the first Labour budget in nearly 15 years - and the first ever delivered by a woman - Beth, Ruth and Harriet unpick the numbers and explain why the critics are so upset. They also lift the lid on budget week in Westminster - how do cabinet ministers find out how much money their departments are getting? And how does the leader of the opposition prepare their response?  Later, Ruth finally reveals who she's voted for in the Tory leadership race.  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

In the week that Donald Trump filed a legal case against the Labour Party for alleged “blatant election interference” - Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask whether we should turn a blind eye to the drama, or whether the former President actually has a point. Just how problematic is this for Keir Starmer?    Later, Beth interviews Starmer’s former director of strategy, Deborah Mattinson. They discuss whether her gameplan - that helped Labour win the election in July – could get Kamala Harris to the White House next month.    This interview was recorded on Tuesday 22nd October.        Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

With just under two weeks to go until Labour’s first budget in 15 years, the knives are out with cabinet members complaining to No 10 about cuts to their departments.  Should they just accept collective responsibility and keep their heads down? And could Labour be about to break their manifesto pledge if they increase National Insurance contributions for businesses?  Later, Beth, Ruth and Harriet examine why the Conservative Party leadership candidates have such different approaches to the media. Which outlets are important in 2024? And is that reflected in the US election?  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   Click here to listen to the Disorder podcast: https://podfollow.com/disorder

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

We wanted to tell you about something new. Sky News and NBC News have joined forces for a weekly podcast - The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim.    For the first episode, Yalda is in Jerusalem and Richard is covering events in Lebanon.    They discuss what they are seeing and hearing on both sides of the border as the conflict appears to be "spiralling into an abyss".   And with the US election now four weeks away, they ask whether the economic and military consequences of the war could determine where it’s Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the Oval Office.   Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube.  To get in touch or to share questions for Engel and Hakim, email [email protected].  Electoral Dysfunction is back on Friday.

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2024

As Sir Keir Starmer's government hits its first 100 days after a big shake up in Downing Street, Beth, Harriet, and Ruth discuss the impact of Sue Gray's exit as his chief of staff.      They also get into the Conservative leadership race now that the Tories have the final two contenders selected. Ruth's man James Cleverly is out – so where is her head at now?      And Beth offers the low down on why her interview with the former PM Boris Johnson didn't happen in the end…       Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

With the Tory leadership race down to the final four, Beth’s been at Conservative Party conference in Birmingham to watch the ‘beauty parade’ for herself, while Ruth and Harriet predict who will make it to the final two.        Back in Westminster, it looks like Sir Keir Starmer may have taken Harriet’s advice when he said he’d pay back £6,000 of gifts he’s received since getting into government, but Harriet thinks Labour need to go further to put this scandal to bed.       Plus, Beth has been investigating a question from a listener, about the best smelling politician, and she finally has an answer. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

With Prime Minister Keir Starmer in New York and the Labour Party conference over, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if it's all been overshadowed by the ongoing freebies row.     Harriet suggests Starmer should watch football on TV to end the row, while Beth explains her interview with the prime minister and how it went for her.     Plus, Beth, Harriet and Ruth talk about the UK response to the conflict in the Middle East.       Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

As the row over Keir Starmer's freebies rumbles on, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if the prime minister can put the issue to bed before the Labour Party conference this weekend.      What does the leaking of senior special adviser Sue Gray's salary tell us about tension in the new government? And is Starmer's Rome scheme any different from Sunak's Rwanda plan?    Plus, Ruth and Harriet share their best conference stories, along with a few tips for where to find the best parties!      For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to: www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/      Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

With the winter fuel allowance vote passing in the House of Commons, Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss the row and government’s approach to dealing with the unpopular policy.      They also look at MPs who have second jobs presenting TV shows (or podcasts) and what sort of extra work or broadcast appearances they should, or shouldn’t, be paid for.       Plus, with both Harriet and Ruth now in the House of Lords, they discuss how the unelected chamber could be modernised, and if it should even exist.        For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to: www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/      Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024