Electoral Dysfunction

As the fall-out from the Westminster honeytrap scandal continues to unravel, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson explain why contacts are so valuable in Parliament and ask what William Wragg’s resignation tells us about Rishi Sunak’s leadership.   And, with Labour riding hight after two major polls predicted landslide victories at the upcoming election, should Keir Starmer be worried about voter complacency?  Plus, Beth, Ruth and Jess talk about the impact of Dr Hilary Cass’ review into gender identity services for under-18s in England.   Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.           Warning: some strong language.       We recorded this episode before Greater Manchester Police said it'd invesitgate claims that Angela Rayner may have broken electoral law over she information she gave a decade ago.

Why do politicians never answer the question?’ It’s something Beth Rigby, Jess Philips and Ruth Davidson get asked all the time; so, this week they’ve dedicate the whole episode to answering your questions.     From why back-benchers ask seemingly pointless questions at PMQs, to the importance of Instagram for the next general election, and where to get the best cup of tea in Westminster, Ruth, Jess and Beth have got it covered.     Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.           Warning: some strong language.

While the Royal family have faced a challenging few weeks, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips, and Ruth Davidson explore the points where royalty and politics meet, and what the family will say publicly about the state of cancer care following the King and the Princess of Wales' diagnoses.    Plus, is deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden someone likely to be feeling on top this week after calling out China-backed cyber-attacks and announcing sanctions against two individuals and a company? Beth, Jess, and Ruth discuss the extent of the Chinese threat.    And they go through more of your messages and questions.  Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.           Warning: some explicit language.

Discussion on Rishi Sunak's leadership amidst rumors of a Tory coup and delays in Rwanda legislation. Speculation on outcomes of local elections for Sunak. Comparison to Irish PM Leo Varadkar's resignation timing. Politicians addressing listener question on avoiding answering questions. Chaotic atmosphere in Parliament and humorous stories of encounters with Hollywood stars shared.

Tory donor's racist comments towards Diane Abbott, Lee Anderson defecting to Reform Party, advice on engaging young people in politics, and discussions on starting a political job. Explicit language warning

The fall-out from the Budget, Donald Trump at Super Tuesday and whether Westminster is paying enough attention to your local council’s financial woes; all are up for discussion in this week's episode of Electoral Dysfunction. Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Labour's Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, look at the political figures who've got on top this week – and where there's a total dysfunction. Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. Warning: some explicit language.

Following the Rochdale by-election, Sky’s political Editor Beth Rigby, the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson discuss what George Galloway’s win means for parliament. They examine the fall out of the by-election and ask why politics is not working for many people. They also look ahead to the budget – predicting what Chancellor Jeremy Hunt might pull out of the bag. A thought-provoking conversation with a healthy dose of fun. Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, Tweet Beth @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. Warning: some explicit language.

Ahead of our first proper Electoral Dysfunction next week, we thought it’s time to share what Beth, Jess and Ruth have been up to in rehearsals. In this special teaser, they explain what the title is all about and what they’ll be trying to do on every episode. And, they get down to the nitty gritty of examining the leaders and their policies – digging deep into what Conservatives might think of their future. There’s a bit of agreement that one of the strongest candidates for the next Tory leader is more obvious than a lot of people may have realised. Jess says the person in question has been “ploughing the furrow” and Beth reckons someone else going “tonto” has really helped them out.Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk

With polls suggesting trust in politicians is low, three political powerhouses unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.Every week, they will examine our political leaders and their policies – how they’re written, and how they’re sold to voters – as we prepare for a general election. With so much at stake, they will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.Starting on Friday March 1st 2024.Email us: electoraldysfunction@sky.uk

Young mother and former GB youth swimmer, Alexis Quinn, agrees to enter NHS England psychiatric care following a family tragedy. She could never imagine that her three-day admission will turn into a three-year ordeal. Then undiagnosed with autism, and often the subject of 24-hour surveillance as well as long periods in solitary confinement, Alexis descends to the darkest reaches of locked-in, psychiatric care. There, she encounters the kind of threat she never could have imagined in a secure mental health hospital. In a bid to break free, Alexis plots a daring escape. Making it back to her daughter, however, will pit her against some of the most powerful institutions in the State, including the police.This series contains discussions about sexual assault.Narrated by Nicholas Pinnock (Top Boy, Django, For Life). To hear all episodes now, follow Patient 11 on your favourite podcast player.