Electoral Dysfunction

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has returned from the US after what has been seen by Number 10 as a highly successful meeting with Donald Trump.  This week, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson look at the preparation that went into this visit. Beth reveals how she caught the US president's attention. Plus, what is it like in the Oval Office?  And how did Mr Trump react when he got that invitation from the King.  They also discuss the resignation of development minister Annelise Dodds after the aid budget was cut to boost defence spending and ask  whether this will dent Mr Starmer's post-Trump confidence.    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.       And remember, you can also watch us on YouTube! 

What could a pact between Nigel Farage’s Reform party and Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives look like? Are we about to see the Tory party lurch closer to the right?     Beth, Ruth and Harriet answer this and more, as they go through your questions – which means we also get the backstory to the iconic Beth Rigby red lipstick.     And how difficult is being married to an MP? We hear from Ruth’s partner Jen about their lives in the spotlight when Ruth was leader of the Scottish Conservatives.    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.        And remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

Do MPs say one thing in public, and another in private? This week, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson ask what’s been going on with the two MPs suspended from the Labour party over WhatsApps messages containing offensive comments.  Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan both lost the whip after Sunday newspaper revelations. It’s been a difficult week for Harriet – she's worked with Andrew Gwynne for a number of years and says it’s made her question her judgement.  Also – are we about to see by elections as a result? And in the week the assisted dying debate is back in the news, we discuss the repercussions of the plan to scrap the need for High Court approval after Beth speaks to the MP who has campaigned for the changes, Labour’s Kim Leadbeater. Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.     Watch us on Youtube too - new videos every week here.

This week, Ruth's changed her opinion about Kemi Badenoch – but it isn't any more favourable for the new Tory leader. Ruth had thought she'd get two years in the job – now she's thinking it might be less than 18 months.    Beth's in a hotel room in Preston after an interview with Keir Starmer. She reflects on how the prime minister can push his domestic message when most people want to talk about Donald Trump.    And Harriet goes all headmistressy with a warning to new Labour MPs in the "red wall" who've reportedly set up a group to lobby their leader for a tougher stance on migration.   She says: "We don't want factionalism and all these different tribes. Don't set up these flipping groups." You can now watch us on YouTube! Just search for "Electoral Dysfunction".Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

The chancellor's attempts to channel Love Island for economic strategies spark lively debate. Can her ideas captivate attention and bridge divides within the Labour Party? The discussion spans the quirky intersection of politicians with soap operas, and the challenges women face in politics. There's also a deep dive into the consequences of referendums, misinformation's impact on trust, and the nuanced challenges post-Brexit Britain faces regarding labor mobility and supply chains, all while navigating the evolving landscapes of Europe.

The chilling Southport murders spark a discussion on possible governmental cover-ups and the community's distrust in institutions. Perspectives on how the Prime Minister is handling public inquiries shed light on accountability. Delving into the ethical dilemmas faced by the media, the podcast highlights the balance between public interest and the integrity of ongoing investigations. Furthermore, the potential influence of Donald Trump's return on UK politics is explored, alongside a humorous take on current political events and the rising concerns of disenfranchised youth.

After "going dark" for most of the week, Beth pops up in Poland to talk world politics with Ruth and Harriet. Top security, a slow train and Russian drones are all part of the inside story of the prime minister's visit to Ukraine.Beth explores why UK solidarity with Ukraine could mean British boots on the ground.And overshadowing everything is president-elect Trump. He is already leaving his mark on the world. Trump claimed his impending inauguration piled on the pressure to get the Gaza ceasefire deal through.Ruth, Harriet and Beth work out how the UK needs to manage its role in "Trump World". And in Ukraine, Beth finds out if the Trump era could leave the country feeling betrayed.Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

A new podcast promises to unpack the dramatic twists of Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. The hosts will explore the implications of his potential comeback, offering insights into how his presidency might reshape America and the world. Daily updates will keep listeners informed and engaged, with special guests adding depth to the discussions. Tune in for sharp analysis delivered in under 15 minutes, ensuring you stay on top of the latest developments before the day's news hits.

Beth, Harriet, and Ruth dive into the storm surrounding Elon Musk's incendiary comments about UK grooming gangs, Sir Keir Starmer, and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips.     They unpack the political fallout, whether Labour's response has been enough, and if the Conservatives have been opportunistic in their approach.     Plus, how Musk's influence mirrors larger challenges, from misinformation to political donations.     You can catch Beth's full interview with Jess Phillips in the Electoral Dysfunction podcast feed.    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444   

In this extra episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Jess Phillips sits down with Beth and reveals what she has lived through in the past few weeks.    Elon Musk accused the Labour MP of being a "rape genocide apologist", putting her in the middle of a political storm.    As the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips also explains what the government is doing to tackle violence against women and girls.    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.