Electoral Dysfunction

The discussion dives into the turmoil surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry, highlighting the rift between survivors and politicians. The resignation of Fiona Goddard and the need for an independent chair spark debates on restoring trust. The podcast also touches on Prince Andrew's controversial royal status amidst calls for accountability and transparency in royal finances. Finally, it explores the Green Party's surge under Zack Polanski, contrasting his approach with Labour's challenges in engaging progressive voters.

Two powerhouse Labour politicians are vying to replace Angela Rayner as deputy leader. With the winner being announced on 25 October, Beth Rigby has been speaking to both candidates about party unity, leadership, leaks, and their political vision in a special Electoral Dysfunction double-header. Lucy Powell pitches herself as the independent "shop steward" ready to speak truth to power, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson argues real influence comes from inside government. It's a contest that could define Sir Keir Starmer's future - who will win Labour's deputy leadership, the insider or the outsider? Remember, you can also watch Electoral Dysfunction on YouTube, and fill in our short survey here. 

There are new questions about who knew what and when about the collapse of a trial of alleged Chinese spies. Beth, Ruth, and Harriet explain why a row involving names you might not know does have implications for the country – can Beijing be both a friend and a foe?  And while there are questions for government and civil servants – they ask if Kemi Badenoch has made a misstep with her response. Plus, Beth was there as Donald Trump announced his plan for peace in the Middle East. She shares the stories from her last-minute trip to join world leaders in Egypt. And come back on Sunday for our bumper back to back interviews with both candidates in the Deputy Labour Leadership contest - Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell.Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.

Fresh from the conference in Manchester, Beth gives Ruth and Harriet the inside track on her 'tetchy' interview with Badenoch - why couldn't she answer a question about Nigel Farage in the same way Keir Starmer did? And just how bad was her conference gaffe compared to ones in the past?Later, with a peace plan brokered by Donald Trump in the Middle East, what effect will it have on protests here?And has the government got it right on policing demonstrations?Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube. Fill in our survey: https://forms.gle/G72yDkjs6EmoVLp39 

Beth’s at the Conservative party conference – talking to the shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins.  She says that Kemi Badenoch has shown resilience and character in her first year as party leader- but it’s taken time to find confidence and her 11 months of ‘listening’ and ‘absorbing’ has come with ‘political knocks’.  She acknowledges that she is sorry about the Tory proposal to leave the ECHR - but says politicians have to deal with the politics of today.  She also reveals how her parents met at Tory conference and which politician makes her shout at TV.  Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube. Fill in our survey: https://forms.gle/G72yDkjs6EmoVLp39 

When the Prime Minister said Reform’s migration policy was ‘racist’ - was that a mistake? It dominated the Labour Party conference in Liverpool this week, where Beth asked Keir Starmer about his comments... and pulled him up on Donald Trump’s remarks about Sadiq Khan.  So with the May elections starting to loom in the minds of politicians, how worried are Labour that they are going to lose out to Reform? And did Andy Burnham have the impact everyone expected in Liverpool?  Plus, Harriet and Ruth give their tales of conferences past.  Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.  Fill in our survey: https://forms.gle/G72yDkjs6EmoVLp39 

Health Secretary Wes Streeting didn't want to get moved to the Home Office in the recent reshuffle - and he planned how to get out of it if the job was offered. Beth asks also asks him about future strike action by doctors. He's clear in his warning to members of the BMA: "The NHS is hanging by a thread, don’t pull it." The interview was recorded at Labour Party conference.  Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.

Donald Trump gave his two cents on what women should be doing whilst pregnant this week... and Nigel Farage followed suit with his view back here.   So how damaging are their comments? And why do men think they know best about women’s bodies?  Later - is Andy Burnham plotting a move on Downing Street? He claims Labour MPs are asking him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the party.  Days before the Liverpool party conference, what’s Burnham up to and will it unsettle MPs? Harriet wonders if everyone is getting over-anxious about the thought of a Reform UK government.  And with the UN General Assembly coming to a close in New York, what can we be optimistic about? Ruth and Harriet give their take as part of the Hope Campaign. Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.  And on Monday, we’ll have an extra episode in the feed from Labour Party Conference, after Beth sits down with Health Secretary Wes Streeting.  As we talked about it on the show the advice on taking Lemsip during pregnancy can be found here: https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/leaflets-a-z/colds-and-flu/  

Starmer and Trump meet at Chequers and the world's eyes are on them. So why did Trump say he doesn't know Peter Mandelson? The UK's former ambassador to Washington who was sacked last week?And what did Trump mean when he said that Putin had "let him down"? To match the occasion - a special episode of Electoral Dysfunction and Trump100, a Sky News podcast mashup. Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson are joined by Mark Stone, who's been on the state visit all week. So as Team Trump leaves British soil… is Starmer better off now than he was at the start of the week? And where does that press confernece leave him as he prepares to recognise the state of Palestine. Also - Jimmy Kimmel comes off air - what does it say about free spech, both in the US and here at home? Remember you can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel! 

Peter Mandelson is sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US - his former cabinet colleague, Harriet, says it's shameful that he didn't resign. It's all after new revelations over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.Ruth isn't impressed either and wonders why Keir Starmer was defending him at PMQs.Donald Trump arrives in London for his state visit next week.Given questions about Epstein always raise his hackles – how will the PM tackle his visit now?Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.