Electoral Dysfunction

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

In the week that Donald Trump filed a legal case against the Labour Party for alleged “blatant election interference” - Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask whether we should turn a blind eye to the drama, or whether the former President actually has a point. Just how problematic is this for Keir Starmer?   Later, Beth interviews Starmer’s former director of strategy, Deborah Mattinson. They discuss whether her gameplan - that helped Labour win the election in July – could get Kamala Harris to the White House next month.   This interview was recorded on Tuesday 22nd October.       Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Tensions are running high as Labour's first budget in 15 years approaches. Cabinet members express frustrations over potential cuts, raising questions about collective responsibility. Meanwhile, increasing National Insurance contributions could put Labour at odds with their manifesto. The podcast also explores contrasting media approaches among Conservative leadership candidates and how these strategies might influence public perception. With a nod to the US election, the discussion brings humor into the mix, touching on everything from hairstyles to personal anecdotes.

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.