Episodes

  • Can Trump and Starmer have a special relationship?

    Can Trump and Starmer have a special relationship?
    Oct 25 2024
    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.
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    53 mins
  • Should the cabinet shut up about the budget?

    Should the cabinet shut up about the budget?
    Oct 18 2024
    With just under two weeks to go until Labour’s first budget in 15 years, the knives are out with cabinet members complaining to No 10 about cuts to their departments.

    Should they just accept collective responsibility and keep their heads down? And could Labour be about to break their manifesto pledge if they increase National Insurance contributions for businesses?

    Later, Beth, Ruth and Harriet examine why the Conservative Party leadership candidates have such different approaches to the media. Which outlets are important in 2024? And is that reflected in the US election?

    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

    Click here to listen to the Disorder podcast: https://podfollow.com/disorder
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    41 mins
  • How the conflict in the Middle East might put Donald Trump in the White House

    How the conflict in the Middle East might put Donald Trump in the White House
    Oct 12 2024
    Sky News and NBC News have joined forces for a new 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.
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    32 mins
  • Cleverly done?

    Cleverly done?
    Oct 11 2024
    As Sir Keir Starmer's government hits its first 100 days after a big shake up in Downing Street, Beth, Harriet, and Ruth discuss the impact of Sue Gray's exit as his chief of staff.

    They also get into the Conservative leadership race now that the Tories have the final two contenders selected. Ruth's man James Cleverly is out – so where is her head at now?

    And Beth offers the low down on why her interview with the former PM Boris Johnson didn't happen in the end…

    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.
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    46 mins
  • Tory leadership race: Why it’s been a good week for James Cleverly

    Tory leadership race: Why it’s been a good week for James Cleverly
    Oct 4 2024
    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.
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    36 mins
  • Beth's Starmer interview debriefed

    Beth's Starmer interview debriefed
    Sep 27 2024
    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.
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    46 mins
  • Should Starmer say sorry for his freebies?

    Should Starmer say sorry for his freebies?
    Sep 20 2024
    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.
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    47 mins
  • Is this the end of MPs presenting TV shows?

    Is this the end of MPs presenting TV shows?
    Sep 13 2024
    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.
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    41 mins