Electoral Dysfunction

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

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

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

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, 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.

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

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

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, 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.

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/

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, 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.

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

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

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

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

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 electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, 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

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 theworld@sky.uk. Electoral Dysfunction is back on Friday.

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

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.