Electoral Dysfunction

In an episode recorded before their summer break, Beth and Ruth are delving back into the inbox for another "Answer the Question" special. It's Labour's Harriet Harman who is back to help them.   They explore why Labour has still not had a female leader while the Conservatives have had three, how the new government might handle the press, and why "heretics" could be banned from the House of Lords. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/    If you’ve got a question you want answering, email Beth and co on electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 

Beth and Ruth are back with another Answer The Question special, and this time they’re joined by former Labour shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth.   They discuss if the media did enough to report on abuse of MPs during the election, reasons young people should be hopeful for the future, and the time Jon was inducted to the privy council by the late Queen... on Zoom.   👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈    For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/    If you’ve got a question you want answering, email Beth and co on electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

For information about Electoral Dysfunction Live, go to: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Labour grandee Harriet Harman is back on the podcast and joins Beth and Ruth to unpick Keir Starmer’s first PMQs as Prime Minister.   The ladies look ahead to what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is going to say about the state of the country's finances after 14 years of Conservative rule, and Harriet gives her take on the seven Labour rebels on the 2-child benefit cap, and look.Plus, what impact will Kamala Harris have on the Democrats chances of beating Trump's Republicans?Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth and Ruth are just popping up in the feed with some news.  Hopefully you’ve all got a free night in September! For more information on dates and tickets, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/

Labour's Emily Thornberry discusses Keir Starmer's global stance, the King's Speech, and violence against politicians. They debate child poverty, housing insecurity, and international relationships post-Brexit.

Labour MP and now government minister Jess Phillips is back for one last episode with Beth and Ruth.  On this episode they discuss Jess' appointment as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office - and why she can't continue with the podcast.  They also talk about the Prime Minister's trip to Washington for the NATO summit and questions over whether Joe Biden should pull out of the 2024 US presidential election race.  Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Labour MP Jess Phillips is back with Beth and Ruth to un-pick the election results.     On this episode they discuss how Jess was heckled when she narrowly held her seat of Birmingham Yardley.     They also look at the wider Labour results and talk about Rishi Sunak’s resignation speech, as well as discussing why Reform and the Liberal Democrats took seats from the two main parties. In response to this episode, the Workers Party of Britain said:"Labour are on their way out in Birmingham, because of their betrayal of ordinary people."We will keep banging the drum and rid Labour from this great city."Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.  

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth for the last few days of the election campaign.   On this episode they discuss how Beth is preparing for election night – what constituencies to look out for and they give a listener advice on election snacks.   They also discuss the final days of campaigning and why the Tories are attacking Keir Starmer for suggesting he will finish work at 6pm on a Friday night if he becomes Prime Minister.     Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 

For the final call-up from Jess’ subs bench, Beth and Ruth get their first male co-host – Rylan!  The self-confessed politics junkie explains where his interest comes from, why he always keeps Wednesday free for PMQs – and his own experience of interviewing the Prime Minister.  Plus, he explains how his own experience in the public eye could help new MPs.  And there’s an update on Ruth’s campaign letterbox injury.  Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.            

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth as the election campaign moves towards its final week.  On this episode they answer listener questions about Nigel Farage - after the Reform UK leader suggested the West provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while insisting he was not an "apologist or supporter of Putin" - and more on Priti Patel's chances of becoming leader of the Conservative Party.  They also discuss the role of Sir Keir Starmer's wife Victoria in the Labour campaign and what her role might be if Labour form the next government.   Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.