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/

A new assisted dying bill sparks heated debate in Parliament, especially after remarks from Health Secretary Wes Streeting about its potential NHS impacts. Some argue he's overstepped. The discussion also touches on trust in institutions following the controversial resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Broader issues arise about Labour's direction and public faith in leadership, as they face challenges of funding and policy amidst growing skepticism. It's a fiery exploration of personal agency and institutional accountability.

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 steps up as the new leader of the Conservative Party, stirring debates on her approach and connection with voters. The hosts dissect her challenges revitalizing a struggling party while building a shadow cabinet amid internal fractures. They highlight her call to 'tell the truth' and its implications as she navigates a divided political landscape. Listeners get insights into her strategic maneuvers and the significant hurdles she faces in this pivotal role, especially with upcoming elections on the horizon.

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.

Tensions are running high as Labour's first budget in 15 years approaches. Cabinet members express frustrations over potential cuts, raising questions about collective responsibility. Meanwhile, increasing National Insurance contributions could put Labour at odds with their manifesto. The podcast also explores contrasting media approaches among Conservative leadership candidates and how these strategies might influence public perception. With a nod to the US election, the discussion brings humor into the mix, touching on everything from hairstyles to personal anecdotes.

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.