Electoral Dysfunction

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth, Harriet and Ruth look at the political fallout from this week's Grenfell Inquiry report, and ask if the government can do more to speed up any prosecutions. Plus, Harriet reveals her surprising connection with one of the Conservative leadership hopefuls. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth and Ruth have some news! They’ve got a new permanent co-host on Electoral Dysfunction. Labour legend and former deputy prime minister Harriet Harman is joining the line up every week to take you behind the curtain of the biggest political stories and answer your questions. This week, they discuss the prime minister’s abrupt end to summer and how he is preparing the country for a busy political autumn. Harriet is also joining Beth and Ruth live on tour. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email Beth, Ruth and Harriet at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Ruth and Beth are once again joined by the former Labour MP and ex-shadow culture secretary, Thangam Debbonaire to answer listener questions. They explain the role of special advisers in politics and discuss whether the devolved nations still need their own secretaries of state in Westminster. They also give us a history lesson on PMQs and dissect political messaging around the economy. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Ruth and Beth are back from their holidays to catch up on the big political stories. This time, they’re joined by former Labour MP and former shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire. They talk about the riots across England in the last couple of weeks with Thangam saying that Keir Starmer should have called them racist earlier. And Ruth explains why she’s chosen to back James Cleverly in the race to be the next Tory leader. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

In an episode recorded before their summer break, Beth and Ruth are delving back into the inbox for another "Answer the Question" special. It's Labour's Harriet Harman who is back to help them. They explore why Labour has still not had a female leader while the Conservatives have had three, how the new government might handle the press, and why "heretics" could be banned from the House of Lords. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ If you’ve got a question you want answering, email Beth and co on electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth and Ruth are back with another Answer The Question special, and this time they’re joined by former Labour shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth. They discuss if the media did enough to report on abuse of MPs during the election, reasons young people should be hopeful for the future, and the time Jon was inducted to the privy council by the late Queen... on Zoom. 👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈 For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ If you’ve got a question you want answering, email Beth and co on electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

For information about Electoral Dysfunction Live, go to: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Labour grandee Harriet Harman is back on the podcast and joins Beth and Ruth to unpick Keir Starmer’s first PMQs as Prime Minister. The ladies look ahead to what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is going to say about the state of the country's finances after 14 years of Conservative rule, and Harriet gives her take on the seven Labour rebels on the 2-child benefit cap, and look. Plus, what impact will Kamala Harris have on the Democrats chances of beating Trump's Republicans? Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth and Ruth are just popping up in the feed with some news. Hopefully you’ve all got a free night in September! For more information on dates and tickets, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/

Special guest, Labour's Emily Thornberry, joins Beth and Ruth to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's position on the world stage. They examine what was in the King's Speech and talk about the prime minister's meeting of foreign leaders at Blenheim Palace. They also talk about violence against politicians following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, and Emily shares her own experience while campaigning. Email Beth and Ruth, at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Labour MP and now government minister Jess Phillips is back for one last episode with Beth and Ruth. On this episode they discuss Jess' appointment as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office - and why she can't continue with the podcast. They also talk about the Prime Minister's trip to Washington for the NATO summit and questions over whether Joe Biden should pull out of the 2024 US presidential election race. Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Labour MP Jess Phillips is back with Beth and Ruth to un-pick the election results. On this episode they discuss how Jess was heckled when she narrowly held her seat of Birmingham Yardley. They also look at the wider Labour results and talk about Rishi Sunak’s resignation speech, as well as discussing why Reform and the Liberal Democrats took seats from the two main parties. In response to this episode, the Workers Party of Britain said: "Labour are on their way out in Birmingham, because of their betrayal of ordinary people. "We will keep banging the drum and rid Labour from this great city." Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth for the last few days of the election campaign. On this episode they discuss how Beth is preparing for election night – what constituencies to look out for and they give a listener advice on election snacks. They also discuss the final days of campaigning and why the Tories are attacking Keir Starmer for suggesting he will finish work at 6pm on a Friday night if he becomes Prime Minister. Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

For the final call-up from Jess’ subs bench, Beth and Ruth get their first male co-host – Rylan! The self-confessed politics junkie explains where his interest comes from, why he always keeps Wednesday free for PMQs – and his own experience of interviewing the Prime Minister. Plus, he explains how his own experience in the public eye could help new MPs. And there’s an update on Ruth’s campaign letterbox injury. Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth as the election campaign moves towards its final week. On this episode they answer listener questions about Nigel Farage - after the Reform UK leader suggested the West provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while insisting he was not an "apologist or supporter of Putin" - and more on Priti Patel's chances of becoming leader of the Conservative Party. They also discuss the role of Sir Keir Starmer's wife Victoria in the Labour campaign and what her role might be if Labour form the next government. Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Presenter turned political campaigner Carol Vorderman joins Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson as the general election campaign enters its final fortnight. Jess has chosen Carol for her subs bench this time because of the campaigning she now does on social media. They assess the damage accusations people close to the PM placed bets on the election date, could have on the Conservative campaign. Plus, Beth, Ruth and Carol talk about why some listeners are seeing no campaigning on their doorstep, while others can’t escape the leaflets. Email Beth, Ruth, and Carol at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. In this episode we mention the constituency of Bristol North West, the full list of candidates are:

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson as the general election campaign heads towards its final fortnight. They're assessing whether Labour can shake off the questions about its taxation policies. As Conservative Grant Shapps seemed to accept election defeat in an interview, is that something anyone should do in the middle of the campaign? They discuss the "what ifs" of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as he tries to become an MP. And as the SNP launch their manifesto, how is the election shaping up differently in Scotland? Plus, Beth, Ruth and Ayesha tackle listeners' questions on manifesto promises and Reform UK’s unusual set-up. Email Beth, Ruth, and Margaret at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. In this episode, we mention the Clacton-on-Sea constituency, the full list of candidates are: Bensilum, Matthew (Liberal Democrats) Farage, Nigel Paul (Reform UK) Jamieson, Craig (Climate Party) Mack, Tony (Independent) Osben, Natasha (Green Party) Owusu-Nepaul, Jovan (Labour Party) Papanastasiou, Tasos (Heritage Party) Pemberton, Andrew (UKIP – NO to Illegal Immigration) Watling, Giles Francis (Conservative Party)