Electoral Dysfunction

Beth, Harriet, and Ruth with their first Christmas episodes - answering your emails and voice notes.   From how to modernise the House of Lords, to what the fall of the Assad regime in Syria means for women.   And, who hosts the best Christmas party in Westminster?   Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   

As Sir Keir Starmer sets out the six 'milestones' his government wants to hit before the next general election, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if leaving immigration off the list was a wise move for the PM.  Plus, as middle-class women of a certain age, they have some thoughts on the allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace.   Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.  Sky News has contacted representatives for Gregg Wallace for comment on the allegations against him. His lawyers say it is "entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature". A BBC spokesperson said any issues raised are taken seriously and there are "robust processes in place" to deal with them.They added: "We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated," Banijay UK, the Masterchef production company, has appointed a law firm to lead its investigation, It said the company takes complaints "incredibly seriously" but will not comment on individual allegations while the investigation is ongoing.

As well as this week’s usual episode, Beth, Ruth and Harriet decompress after a busy Friday in Westminster.      The Assisted Dying Bill, which allows adults who are terminally ill to be provided with assistance to end their own lives, has passed through parliament. Ruth and Harriet react to the historic vote.     Plus, a cabinet minister has resigned after a "mistake" revealed by Sky News, less than five months into government. What does it mean for Keir Starmer  👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈      Email Beth, Ruth and Harriet at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   

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