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Electoral Dysfunction

Sky News

Political powerhouses Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.
Each episode examines who holds influence, what politicians are really saying, and the forces driving decisions behind closed doors.
With authoritative insight and candid conversation, they assess who is rising, who is falling, and who is heading for Electoral Dysfunction.
For audience questions and comments, message the team on WhatsApp: 07934 200444

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34 episodes
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Avg 42 min
English

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June 26 · 49 min
Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election?
Andy Burnham is closing in on Downing Street as Nigel Farage endures a tricky political week. But does Burnham actually have a mandate to be Prime Minister? Or should we have a general election? Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman give their takes on what Burnham's first 100 Days could look like and who might be in his cabinet, including the all-important role of chancellor. Harriet says one of her picks for the job has to prove his credibility. And with more scrutiny on Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne – how is Farage reacting? Farage has said he is "absolutely convinced I've done nothing wrong in any way at all" and he has "taken zero in personal expenses" since being elected in July 2024 "I'm very careful and very cautious about these things," he said. "I believe it to be a wholly private matter, the standards commissioner may take a different view." To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
June 22 · 20 min
Keir Starmer resigns. What’s next?
The prime minister has resigned after less than two years in Downing Street. In this extra episode, Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman react to a dramatic morning in Westminster and ask the question now hanging over Labour: has the party failed, or is this the reset it desperately needed? And could Andy Burnham be the answer? Beth takes listeners inside the final hours of Starmer's premiership, from cabinet pressure to the emotional resignation speech on the steps of Number 10. Harriet reflects on Sir Keir’s legacy and why Labour MPs decided he couldn’t lead them into the next election. And did Nigel Farage play a part in Starmer’s departure? With Andy Burnham now the overwhelming favourite to succeed him, they also discuss what happens next, whether Labour is heading for a coronation rather than a contest, and if Burnham can succeed where Starmer could not. We’ll be back tomorrow for our Sky News Insider subscribers - find out how to subscribe here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
June 19 · 40 min
‘Andy Burnham is going to be Prime Minister’
Andy Burnham is coming back to Westminster – is he about to become prime minister? And could Sir Keir Starmer be in denial? After a stunning victory in the Makerfield by-election, Burnham has gone from mayor of Greater Manchester to Labour MP, instantly kickstarting the speculation about a challenge to Starmer's leadership. So is this the beginning of the end for Starmer and will his MPs turn against him? Harriet has the lowdown from inside the Labour party – so how quickly will it kick off? Beth Rigby has raced back from Makerfield to join Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson as they dissect one of the most consequential by-election results in recent political history and they’re answering some of your questions along the way. Plus, Ruth has the latest from Scotland after the by-elections in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. Is this a change in fortune for the Tories? Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. Find out how to subscribe to our members' club, Sky News Insider, here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
June 16 · 3 min
Introducing our first members' episode
Find out how to subscribe to our members' club, Sky News Insider, here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson are back early this week with details of the first ever Electoral Dysfunction members’ only episode. To listen to the full podcast, follow the link above for all the information. In her first podcast back with the ED gang since quitting the government, Jess lifts the lid on what went on behind the scenes in the lead up to Starmer’s social media ban for under 16s, and explains why she thinks it took so long to get over the line. Plus, expect extra wittering on from the four hosts for one time only. In future Tuesday episodes, Jess and Harriet will be alternating alongside Beth and Ruth. Our Friday episodes will be just the same - in all the usual places as you get them now, with Beth, Ruth and Harriet. We’re still always checking the burner phone, so if you have a question WhatsApp us on 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. For 33% off your first annual subscription, use the code DYSFUNCTION33 Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription, and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
June 12 · 53 min
More resignations for Keir Starmer: can it get any worse?
As we sat down to get voters’ verdicts on the prime minister in Makerfield, he suffered yet another massive headache – his Defence Secretary, John Healey, resigned. And a few hours later, two more resignations. How weak is Keir Starmer now? And is this a problem for the safety of the UK? Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman hear from locals voting next week - do they think Andy Burnham is destined for Number 10? What about the other parties’ ambitions for the area, and what do they make of all the attention they’ve been getting lately? Plus – the ladies have an announcement - you’ll have to listen through to the end to find out... For a full list of candidates standing in Makerfield, visit the Electoral Commission website. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. And if you want to hear more about Ed Conway’s Stuff Matters podcast, go to podfollow.com/stuff- matters Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
June 5 · 56 min
Is Nigel Farage exploiting Henry Nowak’s murder?
"Pure cold rage": Will Nigel Farage regret his intervention over the murder of Henry Nowak? Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss whether Farage is pandering to the far right, or if he has a point about "two-tier policing" in Britain. And, as Nicola Sturgeon attempts to distance herself from her estranged husband Peter Murrell – Ruth asks if her legacy is now forever tarnished. Nicola Sturgeon has said she was “completely cleared and exonerated” by police and that she had been “misled” and “deceived” by Murrell. For a full list of candidates standing in Makerfield, visit the Electoral Commission website. We are happy to clarify that initiated Sikh women, like initiated Sikh men, are required to wear a kirpan as part of the religion. Whether a Sikh carries a kirpan depends on their initiation status and not on gender. And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth, and Harriet on YouTube. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.
June 2 · 25 min
Andy Burnham on Britain’s future... and his own
Beth has a punchy exclusive interview with Andy Burnham for this extra episode of Electoral Dysfunction. Saying the quiet bit out loud, Beth asks if Burnham is using this as his path to Number 10 Downing Street or whether he would be loyal as an MP and serve in Keir Starmer’s cabinet? You might want to watch on YouTube to see his response... She also asks how Burnham's ideas for the country are different to what we already have in government. Plus, what does the current Mayor of Greater Manchester think about Reform and Nigel Farage’s chances in a future Mayoral race after the party did so well at the local elections there? And this race to be an MP isn't just about Andy Burnham – whilst Beth is in Makerfield, she’s interviewing a number of other candidates too, but Reform and Restore UK’s candidates weren’t available. For a full list of candidates standing in Makerfield, visit the Electoral Commission website. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.
May 29 · 42 min
Why the UK isn’t ungovernable – yet
Is the UK on its way to becoming ungovernable? And what does a £5m gift to Nigel Farage from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne tell us about scrutiny and transparency in British politics? Harriet Harman, Beth Rigby and Ruth Davidson discuss in a special live edition of the pod, recorded at the Hay Festival. Plus, Harriet offers advice to Green Party leader Zack Polanski on how to handle his council tax row - inspired by her own experience being chased by the paparazzi. For a full list of candidates standing in your area, visit the Electoral Commission website. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.
May 22 · 47 min
Who is regulating reality TV? Lessons from MAFS UK
Reality show Married At First Sight UK on Channel 4 is facing serious allegations this week, so Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman discuss whether more should be done to make reality TV safer – and if MPs ought to get involved. Plus, with three by-elections coming up, has Andy Burnham’s bid to return to Westminster thrown the constituency of Makerfield into chaos? And why might the North Sea oil reserves become a hot button issue for voters in Aberdeen South? For a full list of candidates standing in your area, visit the Electoral Commission website. Channel 4 was approached for comment. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth, and Harriet on YouTube.
May 15 · 48 min
Jess Phillips: Starmer Doesn’t Listen
Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting - the list of potential names to challenge Keir Starmer is growing but the leadership race is not officially on... yet. Jess Phillips, who resigned from the government this week, tells Beth why she's backing Wes Streeting in a future race and why Andy Burnham needs to be careful he doesn't look entitled as he searches for a parliamentary seat. She also gives a devastating verdict on the prime minister, telling Beth he 'finds it hard to listen" in her first interview since resigning. Plus, as one Labour MP resigns in Makerfield so Andy Burnham can stand - can the 'King of the North' win a by-election? Or is he gambling his job on a seat he can't win? And can Keir Starmer keep a lid on it all? Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.
May 12 · 31 min
EXTRA - Are these Keir Starmer’s final days as Prime Minister?
Less than two years into his stint, could it all be over for Keir Starmer? The drama is high after a handful of his government ministers have now resigned, and more than eighty MPs are now calling for the PM to go – so can the Prime Minister continue to hold firm? Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman are back with an extra episode to discuss whether Keir Starmer can keep his job, and who his potential challengers are. Plus – could Andy Burnham be the answer to Starmer’s troubles? Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.
May 9 · 43 min
Local elections: Reform up, Labour down, Starmer out?
UK politics has been reshaped after a bloodbath for Labour in the May elections, so what’s next for Keir Starmer and his Government? It was a historic night for both Reform UK and the Green Party – but will their gains translate when it comes to a general election? And can Nigel Farage keep up his momentum? Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman break down the results coming out of Scotland, Wales and England. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.
May 1 · 46 min
Can Keir Starmer risk a reshuffle?
If Labour's election losses are as bad as some experts predict, Keir Starmer might need a cabinet reshuffle to try to show some strength of leadership. Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss the risks of that and why it might be counter-productive for the PM. Plus, pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common returns to chat about the Senedd elections in Wales – why has the voting system changed and why do so few voters seem to understand it? For a list of all candidates standing in your area, visit the Electoral Commission website. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.
April 24 · 47 min
Will we ever know everything about Peter Mandelson?
Sir Keir Starmer says he has "put to bed" the row over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador – but it looks set to rumble on for the PM. Starmer's former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has now been summoned to give evidence to the Commons, as well as Sir Olly Robbins's predecessor at the Foreign Office, Sir Philip Barton. Beth explains why Barton's evidence could end up being "box office", while Ruth and Harriet give their assessment on Starmer's very difficult week. And the team discuss if it might be easier to reveal all the information which came up during vetting. Peter Mandelson denies criminal wrongdoing and has not been charged. Plus – Beth's in Manchester interviewing Green Party leader Zack Polanski. Will he be able to persuade voters in Labour heartlands – and beyond - to jump ship? For a list of all candidates standing in your area, check the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk And if you didn't know, you can also watch Ruth, Beth and Harriet on YouTube.

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