Electoral Dysfunction

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! 

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!

Nigel Farage is using parliamentary recess to grab the microphone – he's been out and about during the half term holiday criticising the government and claiming Reform UK as the party for families. Harriet and Ruth ask whether he’s been smart in copying the tactics we’re used to seeing from leaders of the opposition.  It’s just a week on from that EU debate he missed in the House of Commons because he was on holiday himself. So what are the rules for MPs going away in term time? Harriet has a tale of her own.   Plus we have a holiday treat in the form of an interview with legendary satirist Armando Iannucci - recorded at the ED Live show in London.   Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Are Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves falling out over winter fuel payments? Beth tells us what she’s been hearing in Westminster about a rift between the pair and although it’s denied by Number 11, she’s heard there’s a “palpable tension” between the principal players over the change in policy.   Also, with a vote on welfare reforms coming up next month Beth, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss how it will play out with Labour MPs and whether the government is losing its grip despite having such a big majority.    Plus, Beth speaks to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds about the winter fuel U-turn and whether the government can get a better deal with Donald Trump.  Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Another week, another sticky situation for the prime minister and some of his MPs - this time it's centred around his language on immigration.When Sir Keir Starmer announced his White Paper, he argued that Britain "risked becoming an island of strangers" if immigration levels were not cut.So was he intentionally evoking Enoch Powell's infamous 1968 Rivers Of Blood speech? Or was this a big mistake?Also, with the Assisted Dying Bill back in parliament this week, Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman go on a tour of the British Isles to look at how different parliaments are approaching their legislation. If MPs in Westminster vote their bill down, could it stop it in its tracks in Holyrood too?Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

With Ruth away, Beth and Harriet are joined by Salma Shah, a former Conservative special adviser from 2014-2018 and now a political commentator.    They unpack Donald Trump's surprise UK trade deal announcement and what it means for Keir Starmer, who's also landed a deal with India and is gearing up for key EU negotiations.     But while the global optics look strong, the domestic mood is tense. Harriet has some advice for the Labour backbenchers who are unhappy over welfare cuts and the winter fuel allowance policy.   Also - does Sir Keir Starmer need a hand with his comms?  Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/   Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!  

Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, and Ruth Davidson assemble for an elections debrief.  Beth's been following a very happy Nigel Farage after Reform gained an MP in Runcorn, took the Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty and seized control of several councils. But, how does the party promising change in its very name prove itself with greater power and responsibility?  They also discuss how Keir Starmer reacts to the Labour's losses (Harriet says he needs to deliver on what he's promised)  And what Kemi Badenoch has to do after a terrible set of results for the Conservatives (Ruth reckons it'll be worse for the 2026 set of elections)   Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss the UK Supreme Court's judgment on how a woman should be defined in law. They also hear from Ellie, a trans woman who says she's now afraid for her safety and her future. Harriet literally wrote the law in question, the Equality Act 2010 - she and the team dig into what the judgement means for individuals and institutions across the country. And on May 1st, there are local and mayoral elections in England and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. The polling group More in Common have helped us hear what's on the minds of voters in Doncaster. Find all the candidates in Doncaster and in your area at the Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

Dive into the intriguing world of the House of Lords as the hosts share what life is like on those iconic red benches. They explore the perception of Lords versus MPs and question if being a Lord means you're a has-been. Reflecting on political nostalgia, they reminisce about Tony Blair's era and its contrasts with today. The conversation lightens up with funny personal stories, including confronting fears like skydiving. Plus, hear about their adventurous Easter plans that blend humor with camaraderie!

Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Donald Trump has pressed pause on his higher tariffs... but not before he unleashed absolute chaos on the global economy.It all came down to the bond market - which you might remember from Liz Truss's time as prime minister... Alongside most countries, the UK still has the base level of 10% tariffs on exports and 25% on automobiles, so is the prime minister's "keep cool" strategy still paying off?Or is the UK just in the same boat, waiting along with everybody else for Trump's next move? One thing's for sure - Harriet thinks the UK government is speaking in code. She says Starmer needs to speak up and reassure the British public a bit more. Also, you might have noticed the excitement in the air because we're doing another live show! Come and join us on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!    Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible.