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

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

208 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes208

Newest first

Sep 9, 2025 · 37 min
Is Labour too London?
A long list of women all want to be Labour’s next deputy leader - Lucy Powell, Emily Thornberry, Bridget Phillipson, Alison McGovern, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Paula Barker have all thrown their names into the mix. Beth, Ruth and Harriet look at their prospects and reveal what sort of deputy Keir Starmer would prefer – as well as who the left of Labour would prefer is rooting for. Does the next deputy need to be a Northern woman? Plus, after hot footing it between Birmingham and London, Beth reflects on her interview with Nigel Farage and if the Reform conference was hinging on the American vibes. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Sep 5, 2025 · 33 min
Rayner resigns and Starmer resets (again)
Beth, Harriet and Ruth reassemble after Angela Rayner’s resignation prompts one of the biggest cabinet reshuffles in years. She admitted she didn’t pay enough stamp duty on the purchase of a new home and, after an ethics investigation, quit as deputy prime minister and housing secretary. David Lammy takes the deputy role with a move to justice secretary. Keir Starmer’s had two resets in a week – can he now get on with his dream of delivery? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Sep 4, 2025 · 38 min
Is Angela Rayner a "hypocrite" if she doesn't resign?
Was the deputy prime minister trying to evade and dodge tax? Is she a 'hypocrite'? Or was she simply doing what she thought was the right thing? Beth takes Ruth and Harriet behind the scenes of her interview with Angela Rayner this week as they ask whether she will survive in government, or if she will have to resign. It all emerged after Rayner admitted she didn't pay enough tax on her home in Hove - you can catch the exclusive 20-minute interview in the Electoral Dysfunction feed. After recording, Verrico & Associates confirmed that it had advised Ms Rayner on the purchase of the flat. Joanna Verrico, the managing director, told The Telegraph: "We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. It's something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for. "The stamp duty for the Hove flat was calculated using HMRC's own online calculator, based on the figures and the information provided by Ms Rayner. That's what we used, and it told us we had to pay £30,000 based on the information provided to us. We believe that we did everything correctly and in good faith. Everything was exactly as it should be." Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Sep 3, 2025 · 19 min
Angela Rayner admits underpaying tax - Exclusive interview
In an exclusive interview, the Deputy Prime Minister admits she considered resigning after discovering she didn’t pay enough stamp duty on her second home. After weeks of speculation in the papers, Angela Rayner reveals what really happened – she tells Beth she got inaccurate expert advice and was unable to speak out before due to confidential clauses in place to protect her son, who she is opening up about publicly for the fist time. So what now? And what has the Prime Minister said to her about the saga? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Aug 29, 2025 · 30 min
Is political chaos fuelled by the media?
In their final summer Q&A, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet dig into why politics feels permanently stuck in panic mode. Why does it feel like there's an election imminent when the prime minister isn't required to call one for four years? What's fuelling the chaos? And is the media to blame? Plus, your questions on whether Reform defections are actually a problem for the Tory party, what happens to ex-MPs, and could Donald Trump actually win the Nobel Peace Prize? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Aug 22, 2025 · 25 min
Starmer’s dilemma in Trump and Putin’s shadow
Can Britain afford both welfare and warfare? Beth takes us inside the row that could define Sir Keir Starmer's premiership. From that huge Commons rebellion over welfare cuts to the looming pressure on defence spending, how can the government look after Britain at home, whilst holding the line abroad? For this special episode, Beth speaks to the former chancellor Jeremy Hunt and ex-Labour welfare minister Jim Murphy. Also, Ruth and Harriet ask whether anything has actually changed after the Trump-Putin Alaska summit and whether European leaders can make a difference after crowding into the White House this week? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Aug 15, 2025 · 35 min
Conservatives v Reform: Battle for the Right
Nigel Farage's Reform won more than 40% of seats at May's council elections. The Conservatives lost control of 16 English councils and won 20% of seats - one of the lowest proportions in the past two decades. How do the Tories make sure they keep right-wing voters at future elections? Beth talks to shadow chancellor, and former work and pensions secretary, Mel Stride on this episode about that challenge. He also talks about adapting to life on the opposition benches and why he believes Kemi Badenoch is the right leader for his party. Interview with Mel Stride recorded on July 15th.
Aug 8, 2025 · 28 min
Is Corbyn’s comeback a headache for Starmer - or a red herring?
Jeremy Corbyn's back - with Zarah Sultana and a new party. But is it a real threat to Labour, or just political theatre? This week Beth, Ruth and Harriet answer your questions on whether Corbyn's comeback could fracture the left and hand seats to the Tories and Reform. What does it mean for Starmer? Could the Green Party seize the moment? And is this a political headache - or just a red herring? Plus - your questions on rebuilding the Tory party, Scottish Labour and the elections north of the border next year, and we shout out the podcasts we can't stop listening to. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Jul 31, 2025 · 38 min
What happened when I quit the government
Anneliese Dodds sits down with Beth Rigby for her first long-form interview since stepping down from Labour's front bench.Reflecting on the party's first year in power, the former International Development Minister and Women and Equalities Minister reveals what happened the moment she decided to resign from Sir Keir Starmer's government - and the "uncomfortable" days she spent in the run up to telling the prime minister - who was otherwise engaged... sitting in the White House with Donald Trump. Dodds explains how difficult her decision was - partly due to her ingrained support for the government - she was once as close as you could get to the prime minister, his shadow chancellor in Opposition. But in this podcast, she gives her assessment on Labour's economic policy and makes the argument for more taxation. So, how does Dodds rate Labour's first year? And how can the government "change" for the better, going into its second year? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Jul 25, 2025 · 40 min
Is the government preparing for a summer of riots?
Summer is here and the government is worrying about riots on the streets. In their final episode of this political term, Beth, Ruth and Harriet unpack No 10's briefing this week that Angela Rayner has warned about the risk of civil unrest, almost a year on from the murders in Southport that sparked a summer of violent protests. So what is the government's strategy? And what's really going on in towns like Epping, where asylum hotels have sparked backlash this week? Plus, the return of Sir James Cleverley to the Tory front bench: is this the start of a Conservative revival or just more reshuffling? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Jul 18, 2025 · 47 min
The '£7 billion' government secret
Who knew what about the Afghan data leak? And could anyone in parliament have done more to help scrutinise the government at the time of the superinjunction? Harriet thinks so. So in this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet talk about the massive breach, the secret court hearings, and the constitutional chaos it’s unleashed. Plus - the fallout from the latest Labour rebellion. Four MPs have lost the whip - officially for repeated defiance, but unofficially? A government source called it "persistent knobheadery". So is Keir Starmer tightening his grip or losing control? And how does this compare to rebellions of Labour past? Oh and singer Chesney Hawkes gets an unexpected mention. Responding to claims in the podcast about whether Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle could have scrutinised the government, a Commons spokesperson said: "As has been made clear, Mr Speaker was himself under a superinjunction, and so would have been under severe legal restrictions regarding speaking about this. He would have had no awareness which organisations or individuals were and were not already aware of this matter. "The injunction could not constrain proceedings in parliament and between being served with the injunction in September 2023 and the 2024 General Election Mr Speaker granted four UQs on matters relating to Afghan refugees and resettlement schemes. "Furthermore, as set out in the Justice and Security Act 2013, the Speaker has no powers to refer matters to the Intelligence and Security Committee." Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Jul 10, 2025 · 48 min
Is migration helping or hurting the UK?
There's a new plan for deterring migrants from crossing the channel and coming to the UK - but will it actually work? This week, Beth, Ruth and Harriet have a deep dive into one of the most divisive and defining political issues of our time: migration. In the week France's President Emmanuel Macron has been hobnobbing with the great and the good on his state visit to the UK, he's also agreed a new 'one in, one out' returns deal with the prime minister. So is this a breakthrough deal? Also - how could stemming migration cause problems for the UK? Are the numbers really out of control? And how does this all link back to the economy? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Jul 8, 2025 · 39 min
Is Labour losing Wales to Reform?
Could Reform UK get their first taste of government next year? They're the biggest party for Welsh voters, according to exclusive polling from More in Common ahead of the Senedd elections next year. But what does this mean for Labour? The party was founded in Wales and since devolution in 1999, they've run the government there. Are they now scared of Reform? So in this extra episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Beth meets Wales's first female First Minister – Labour's Eluned Morgan. She's also been taking the temperature with a group of Welsh voters. They talk about the "Farage surge" in Wales ahead of the Senedd elections next May as Baronness Morgan admits the threat from Reform is "very serious" and that Labour have got "a lot of work to do" to stay in power. Also – the first minister attempts to swerve rating the Keir Starmer's first year... but Beth's not letting her get away with it. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube
Jul 3, 2025 · 46 min
Did Keir Starmer screw up his own anniversary?
Happy 1st anniversary, Keir Starmer. He wanted to be talking about what he sees as Labour’s achievements after 12 months in goverment and his 10-year plan for the NHS. But, after another dramatic policy U-turn and the sight of his own chancellor crying at PMQs, when he kept his support for her slightly vague, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss if his start in office has been shattered by this week. They also wonder if the solution to make relations with his own MPs a bit easier would be to make better use of Angela Rayner. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!
Jun 26, 2025 · 49 min
What will Keir Starmer learn from the Labour welfare chaos?
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.
Jun 23, 2025 · 25 min
Why won't Starmer call out Trump?
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.
Jun 19, 2025 · 45 min
Will Starmer have to agree to war?
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!
Jun 13, 2025 · 45 min
Should anyone go to prison for an abortion?
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!
Jun 6, 2025 · 47 min
Rachel Reeves faces the numbers - can she cut it?
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!
Jun 5, 2025 · 29 min
Why Labour needs to focus on the working class, with Andy Burnham
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!