Electoral Dysfunction

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.

With the Labour Party's first 100 days under scrutiny, the hosts dive into the impact of leadership changes and the fallout from Sue Gray's exit. They dissect the unexpected twists in the Conservative leadership race, pondering the implications of James Cleverly's departure. The conversation takes an intriguing turn with a peek into a botched interview with Boris Johnson and the current challenges in journalism amid skepticism. Expect insightful commentary on political maneuvering, integrity, and the evolving landscape of party leadership.

With the Tory leadership race down to the final four, Beth’s been at Conservative Party conference in Birmingham to watch the ‘beauty parade’ for herself, while Ruth and Harriet predict who will make it to the final two.      Back in Westminster, it looks like Sir Keir Starmer may have taken Harriet’s advice when he said he’d pay back £6,000 of gifts he’s received since getting into government, but Harriet thinks Labour need to go further to put this scandal to bed.     Plus, Beth has been investigating a question from a listener, about the best smelling politician, and she finally has an answer.Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

With Prime Minister Keir Starmer in New York and the Labour Party conference over, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if it's all been overshadowed by the ongoing freebies row.   Harriet suggests Starmer should watch football on TV to end the row, while Beth explains her interview with the prime minister and how it went for her.   Plus, Beth, Harriet and Ruth talk about the UK response to the conflict in the Middle East.     Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

As the row over Keir Starmer's freebies rumbles on, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if the prime minister can put the issue to bed before the Labour Party conference this weekend.    What does the leaking of senior special adviser Sue Gray's salary tell us about tension in the new government? And is Starmer's Rome scheme any different from Sunak's Rwanda plan?  Plus, Ruth and Harriet share their best conference stories, along with a few tips for where to find the best parties!    For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to: www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

With the winter fuel allowance vote passing in the House of Commons, Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss the row and government’s approach to dealing with the unpopular policy.    They also look at MPs who have second jobs presenting TV shows (or podcasts) and what sort of extra work or broadcast appearances they should, or shouldn’t, be paid for.     Plus, with both Harriet and Ruth now in the House of Lords, they discuss how the unelected chamber could be modernised, and if it should even exist.      For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to: www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth, Harriet and Ruth look at the political fallout from this week's Grenfell Inquiry report, and ask if the government can do more to speed up any prosecutions.     Plus, Harriet reveals her surprising connection with one of the Conservative leadership hopefuls.      For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 

Beth and Ruth have some news! They’ve got a new permanent co-host on Electoral Dysfunction.   Labour legend and former deputy prime minister Harriet Harman is joining the line up every week to take you behind the curtain of the biggest political stories and answer your questions.  This week, they discuss the prime minister’s abrupt end to summer and how he is preparing the country for a busy political autumn. Harriet is also joining Beth and Ruth live on tour. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/  Email Beth, Ruth and Harriet at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Ruth and Beth are once again joined by the former Labour MP and ex-shadow culture secretary, Thangam Debbonaire to answer listener questions.They explain the role of special advisers in politics and discuss whether the devolved nations still need their own secretaries of state in Westminster.  They also give us a history lesson on PMQs and dissect political messaging around the economy.  For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/  Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Ruth and Beth are back from their holidays to catch up on the big political stories. This time, they’re joined by former Labour MP and former shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire. They talk about the riots across England in the last couple of weeks with Thangam saying that Keir Starmer should have called them racist earlier.  And Ruth explains why she’s chosen to back James Cleverly in the race to be the next Tory leader. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/     Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.