Beth Rigby Interviews...

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Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby with a podcast which isn't just politics - talking to people from all walks of life from decision makers to those with interesting stories to tell.

Sky News


    • Sep 9, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 149 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Beth Rigby Interviews...

    Is Labour too London?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 37:03


    A long list of women all want to be Labour's next deputy leader - Lucy Powell, Emily Thornberry, Bridget Phillipson, Alison McGovern, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Paula Barker have all thrown their names into the mix. Beth, Ruth and Harriet look at their prospects and reveal what sort of deputy Keir Starmer would prefer – as well as who the left of Labour would prefer is rooting for. Does the next deputy need to be a Northern woman?  Plus, after hot footing it between Birmingham and London, Beth reflects on her interview with Nigel Farage and if the Reform conference was hinging on the American vibes. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.

    Rayner resigns and Starmer resets (again)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 33:57


    Beth, Harriet and Ruth reassemble after Angela Rayner's resignation prompts one of the biggest cabinet reshuffles in years.She admitted she didn't pay enough stamp duty on the purchase of a new home and, after an ethics investigation, quit as deputy prime minister and housing secretary.David Lammy takes the deputy role with a move to justice secretary.Keir Starmer's had two resets in a week – can he now get on with his dream of delivery?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.

    Is Angela Rayner a "hypocrite" if she doesn't resign?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 38:31


    Was the deputy prime minister trying to evade and dodge tax? Is she a 'hypocrite'? Or was she simply doing what she thought was the right thing?  Beth takes Ruth and Harriet behind the scenes of her interview with Angela Rayner this week as they ask whether she will survive in government, or if she will have to resign.  It all emerged after Rayner admitted she didn't pay enough tax on her home in Hove - you can catch the exclusive 20-minute interview in the Electoral Dysfunction feed.  After recording, Verrico & Associates confirmed that it had advised Ms Rayner on the purchase of the flat. Joanna Verrico, the managing director, told The Telegraph: "We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. It's something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for. "The stamp duty for the Hove flat was calculated using HMRC's own online calculator, based on the figures and the information provided by Ms Rayner. That's what we used, and it told us we had to pay £30,000 based on the information provided to us. We believe that we did everything correctly and in good faith. Everything was exactly as it should be."Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.   

    Angela Rayner admits underpaying tax - Exclusive interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 19:59


    In an exclusive interview, the Deputy Prime Minister admits she considered resigning after discovering she didn't pay enough stamp duty on her second home.    After weeks of speculation in the papers, Angela Rayner reveals what really happened – she tells Beth she got inaccurate expert advice and was unable to speak out before due to confidential clauses in place to protect her son, who she is opening up about publicly for the fist time.  So what now? And what has the Prime Minister said to her about the saga? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.

    Is political chaos fuelled by the media?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 30:48


    In their final summer Q&A, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet dig into why politics feels permanently stuck in panic mode.   Why does it feel like there's an election imminent when the prime minister isn't required to call one for four years? What's fuelling the chaos? And is the media to blame?   Plus, your questions on whether Reform defections are actually a problem for the Tory party, what happens to ex-MPs, and could Donald Trump actually win the Nobel Peace Prize?  Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.     

    Starmer's dilemma in Trump and Putin's shadow 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 25:25


    Can Britain afford both welfare and warfare? Beth takes us inside the row that could define Sir Keir Starmer's premiership.From that huge Commons rebellion over welfare cuts to the looming pressure on defence spending, how can the government look after Britain at home, whilst holding the line abroad?For this special episode, Beth speaks to the former chancellor Jeremy Hunt and ex-Labour welfare minister Jim Murphy.Also, Ruth and Harriet ask whether anything has actually changed after the Trump-Putin Alaska summit and whether European leaders can make a difference after crowding into the White House this week?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.

    Conservatives v Reform: Battle for the Right

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 35:51


    Nigel Farage's Reform won more than 40% of seats at May's council elections. The Conservatives lost control of 16 English councils and won 20% of seats - one of the lowest proportions in the past two decades.    How do the Tories make sure they keep right-wing voters at future elections?    Beth talks to shadow chancellor, and former work and pensions secretary, Mel Stride on this episode about that challenge.    He also talks about adapting to life on the opposition benches and why he believes Kemi Badenoch is the right leader for his party.   Interview with Mel Stride recorded on July 15th.

    Is Corbyn's comeback a headache for Starmer - or a red herring?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 28:34


    Jeremy Corbyn's back - with Zarah Sultana and a new party. But is it a real threat to Labour, or just political theatre?    This week Beth, Ruth and Harriet answer your questions on whether Corbyn's comeback could fracture the left and hand seats to the Tories and Reform.   What does it mean for Starmer? Could the Green Party seize the moment? And is this a political headache - or just a red herring?    Plus - your questions on rebuilding the Tory party, Scottish Labour and the elections north of the border next year, and we shout out the podcasts we can't stop listening to.   Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.     

    What happened when I quit the government

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 38:11


    Anneliese Dodds sits down with Beth Rigby for her first long-form interview since stepping down from Labour's front bench.Reflecting on the party's first year in power, the former International Development Minister and Women and Equalities Minister reveals what happened the moment she decided to resign from Sir Keir Starmer's government - and the "uncomfortable" days she spent in the run up to telling the prime minister - who was otherwise engaged... sitting in the White House with Donald Trump.Dodds explains how difficult her decision was - partly due to her ingrained support for the government - she was once as close as you could get to the prime minister, his shadow chancellor in Opposition. But in this podcast, she gives her assessment on Labour's economic policy and makes the argument for more taxation.So, how does Dodds rate Labour's first year? And how can the government "change" for the better, going into its second year?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.    

    Is the government preparing for a summer of riots?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 40:49


    Summer is here and the government is worrying about riots on the streets. In their final episode of this political term, Beth, Ruth and Harriet unpack No 10's briefing this week that Angela Rayner has warned about the risk of civil unrest, almost a year on from the murders in Southport that sparked a summer of violent protests.So what is the government's strategy?  And what's really going on in towns like Epping, where asylum hotels have sparked backlash this week?Plus, the return of Sir James Cleverley to the Tory front bench: is this the start of a Conservative revival or just more reshuffling?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.  

    The '£7 billion' government secret

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 47:38


    Who knew what about the Afghan data leak? And could anyone in parliament have done more to help scrutinise the government at the time of the superinjunction? Harriet thinks so.    So in this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet talk about the massive breach, the secret court hearings, and the constitutional chaos it's unleashed.     Plus - the fallout from the latest Labour rebellion. Four MPs have lost the whip - officially for repeated defiance, but unofficially? A government source called it "persistent knobheadery".     So is Keir Starmer tightening his grip or losing control? And how does this compare to rebellions of Labour past?    Oh and singer Chesney Hawkes gets an unexpected mention.    Responding to claims in the podcast about whether Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle could have scrutinised the government, a Commons spokesperson said: "As has been made clear, Mr Speaker was himself under a superinjunction, and so would have been under severe legal restrictions regarding speaking about this. He would have had no awareness which organisations or individuals were and were not already aware of this matter.     "The injunction could not constrain proceedings in parliament and between being served with the injunction in September 2023 and the 2024 General Election Mr Speaker granted four UQs on matters relating to Afghan refugees and resettlement schemes.      "Furthermore, as set out in the Justice and Security Act 2013, the Speaker has no powers to refer matters to the Intelligence and Security Committee."  Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.   

    Is migration helping or hurting the UK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 48:08


    There's a new plan for deterring migrants from crossing the channel and coming to the UK - but will it actually work? This week, Beth, Ruth and Harriet have a deep dive into one of the most divisive and defining political issues of our time: migration. In the week France's President Emmanuel Macron has been hobnobbing with the great and the good on his state visit to the UK, he's also agreed a new 'one in, one out' returns deal with the prime minister. So is this a breakthrough deal? Also - how could stemming migration cause problems for the UK? Are the numbers really out of control? And how does this all link back to the economy? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.   

    Is Labour losing Wales to Reform?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 39:34


    Could Reform UK get their first taste of government next year? They're the biggest party for Welsh voters, according to exclusive polling from More in Common ahead of the Senedd elections next year.  But what does this mean for Labour? The party was founded in Wales and since devolution in 1999, they've run the government there. Are they now scared of Reform?  So in this extra episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Beth meets Wales's first female First Minister – Labour's Eluned Morgan. She's also been taking the temperature with a group of Welsh voters.   They talk about the "Farage surge" in Wales ahead of the Senedd elections next May as Baronness Morgan admits the threat from Reform is "very serious" and that Labour have got "a lot of work to do" to stay in power.   Also – the first minister attempts to swerve rating the Keir Starmer's first year... but Beth's not letting her get away with it.   Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube

    Did Keir Starmer screw up his own anniversary?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 46:31


    Happy 1st anniversary, Keir Starmer. He wanted to be talking about what he sees as Labour's achievements after 12 months in goverment and his 10-year plan for the NHS.   But, after another dramatic policy U-turn and the sight of his own chancellor crying at PMQs, when he kept his support for her slightly vague, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss if his start in office has been shattered by this week.    They also wonder if the solution to make relations with his own MPs a bit easier would be to make better use of Angela Rayner. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

    What will Keir Starmer learn from the Labour welfare chaos?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 49:47


    It sounds like concessions are being offered to the dozens of Labour MPs who had threatened to rebel over the government's planned welfare cuts. On this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet went over the possible options for the Prime Minister. They also talk about what Keir Starmer needs to learn from the chaos of the past few days.  Plus, is President Trump the "daddy" in his handling of the Israel-Iran conflict, as NATO head Mark Rutte may have suggested? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.   

    Why won't Starmer call out Trump?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 25:35


    Days after Keir Starmer told Beth that a US strike on Iran wasn't imminent, Trump ordered US bunker busters to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities.   But the UK's position on the attacks are unclear. The focus is not on what the Prime Minister is saying – but what he isn't saying. After a brief interview, it's clear Keir Starmer isn't willing to either endorse the strikes, or criticise President Trump.   For this extra episode Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss the delicate situation the UK Prime Minister finds himself after a full-blown escalation of the middle east conflict.  They ask what will be going through the minds of the Prime Minister and those around him – and if there are any answers the government can and will give in the coming days.   Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.  

    Will Starmer have to agree to war?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 45:00


    Is Donald Trump about to join Israel in attacks on Iran, and will he ask Keir Starmer to help him out? If he does - would it even be legal?A lot has happened since Beth, Ruth and Harriet last got together, with further significant developments expected before a big NATO summit next week - a gathering we don't even know if the US president will turn up to.So how did we get to the point where we're asking whether the UK will allow its ally - the US - to use its airbases? And how does the current situation compare to the invasion of Iraq in 2003?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

    Should anyone go to prison for an abortion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 45:07


    A landmark bill is due to be voted on in the House of Commons next week that could decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.   Currently, any woman who has had an abortion after 24 weeks - without two doctors signing it off - could be jailed under a Victorian law. So why has it taken until 2025 for this vote? And who are the women whose stories have led to a potential change in the law?   Beth, Ruth and Harriet speak to Tonia Antoniazzi, the Labour MP proposing an amendment on the Crime and Policing Bill.   Also, are we going to see tax rises in the autumn budget after this week's spending review? And is the Labour Party in turmoil over welfare cuts?   Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

    Rachel Reeves faces the numbers - can she cut it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 47:10


    As Rachel Reeves prepares for next week's spending review, Beth explains why it could be a defining moment for the government and the chancellor is faced with difficult choices. Harriet talks about the two-child benefit cap and whether the government can afford to scrap it.  And as Sir Keir Starmer puts the country on a war footing, Sky's defence correspondent Deborah Haynes joins Beth, Ruth and Harriet to talk about the strategic defence review and why there's no argument across parliament about defence spending. Deborah also talks about her own podcast The Wargame, which is out next week and simulates an attack on the UK. Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

    Why Labour needs to focus on the working class, with Andy Burnham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 29:33


    Beth is catching up with Andy Burnham - the Mayor of Greater Manchester – in his office for an extra episode this week, recorded on Tuesday.It's just days to go until the chancellor unveils her Spending Review, and it's set to be good news for the North – they are about to get billions for big transport projects. But is that a good enough offer to keep working-class Labour voters interested? Burnham explains why he thinks the government could be doing better to connect with the working classes and how to keep their votes from going to Reform and Nigel Farage.For him, it's simple – better technical education and more social housing, something he's working on with his extra devolved powers. Will he pave the way for national policy?Also, does he actually want to be the leader of the Labour Party?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

    Farage steps in whilst parliament's out

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 34:09


    Nigel Farage is using parliamentary recess to grab the microphone – he's been out and about during the half term holiday criticising the government and claiming Reform UK as the party for families. Harriet and Ruth ask whether he's been smart in copying the tactics we're used to seeing from leaders of the opposition.  It's just a week on from that EU debate he missed in the House of Commons because he was on holiday himself. So what are the rules for MPs going away in term time? Harriet has a tale of her own.   Plus we have a holiday treat in the form of an interview with legendary satirist Armando Iannucci - recorded at the ED Live show in London.   Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!  

    Rachel Reeves vs Keir Starmer: Inside the ‘rift' in Downing Street

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 55:25


    Are Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves falling out over winter fuel payments? Beth tells us what she's been hearing in Westminster about a rift between the pair and although it's denied by Number 11, she's heard there's a “palpable tension” between the principal players over the change in policy.   Also, with a vote on welfare reforms coming up next month Beth, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss how it will play out with Labour MPs and whether the government is losing its grip despite having such a big majority.    Plus, Beth speaks to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds about the winter fuel U-turn and whether the government can get a better deal with Donald Trump.  Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

    What was behind Starmer's 'Enoch Powell' moment?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 45:28


    Another week, another sticky situation for the prime minister and some of his MPs - this time it's centred around his language on immigration.When Sir Keir Starmer announced his White Paper, he argued that Britain "risked becoming an island of strangers" if immigration levels were not cut.So was he intentionally evoking Enoch Powell's infamous 1968 Rivers Of Blood speech? Or was this a big mistake?Also, with the Assisted Dying Bill back in parliament this week, Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman go on a tour of the British Isles to look at how different parliaments are approaching their legislation. If MPs in Westminster vote their bill down, could it stop it in its tracks in Holyrood too?Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

    Can a trade deal with Trump save Starmer?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 53:13


    With Ruth away, Beth and Harriet are joined by Salma Shah, a former Conservative special adviser from 2014-2018 and now a political commentator.    They unpack Donald Trump's surprise UK trade deal announcement and what it means for Keir Starmer, who's also landed a deal with India and is gearing up for key EU negotiations.     But while the global optics look strong, the domestic mood is tense. Harriet has some advice for the Labour backbenchers who are unhappy over welfare cuts and the winter fuel allowance policy.   Also - does Sir Keir Starmer need a hand with his comms?  Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/   Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!  

    Can Nigel Farage and Reform prove themselves?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 41:29


    Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, and Ruth Davidson assemble for an elections debrief.  Beth's been following a very happy Nigel Farage after Reform gained an MP in Runcorn, took the Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty and seized control of several councils. But, how does the party promising change in its very name prove itself with greater power and responsibility?  They also discuss how Keir Starmer reacts to the Labour's losses (Harriet says he needs to deliver on what he's promised)  And what Kemi Badenoch has to do after a terrible set of results for the Conservatives (Ruth reckons it'll be worse for the 2026 set of elections)   Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

    Can there ever be a calm debate on trans rights?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 55:40


    Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss the UK Supreme Court's judgment on how a woman should be defined in law. They also hear from Ellie, a trans woman who says she's now afraid for her safety and her future. Harriet literally wrote the law in question, the Equality Act 2010 - she and the team dig into what the judgement means for individuals and institutions across the country. And on May 1st, there are local and mayoral elections in England and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. The polling group More in Common have helped us hear what's on the minds of voters in Doncaster. Find all the candidates in Doncaster and in your area at the Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

    Who's nicer - Lords or MPs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 24:07


    Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ The two Baronesses of the podcast finally lift the lid on the House of Lords in this special Q&A episode.   What's it really like on the red benches in Parliament? And if you're a Lord, are you a has-been?    Also – was Tony Blair actually cool in the 90s? Or was it just a more optimistic time in politics? Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!    

    Why isn't Keir Starmer saying what he really thinks?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 33:19


    Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Donald Trump has pressed pause on his higher tariffs... but not before he unleashed absolute chaos on the global economy.It all came down to the bond market - which you might remember from Liz Truss's time as prime minister... Alongside most countries, the UK still has the base level of 10% tariffs on exports and 25% on automobiles, so is the prime minister's "keep cool" strategy still paying off?Or is the UK just in the same boat, waiting along with everybody else for Trump's next move? One thing's for sure - Harriet thinks the UK government is speaking in code. She says Starmer needs to speak up and reassure the British public a bit more. Also, you might have noticed the excitement in the air because we're doing another live show! Come and join us on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!    Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible.  

    Electoral Dysfunction Live is back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 1:55


    Beth, Ruth and Harriet have some mid-week news for you...Get your diaries out because they're doing another live show in May!Tickets are on sale from Friday - for more information on dates and tickets, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/

    Trump's sneezed – can Starmer stay calm?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 47:52


    Another episode, another cheap hotel room to record the podcast for Beth as she follows Keir Starmer for the Labour local election launch. Ruth and Harriet are a bit closer to home to discuss the real implications of Donald Trump's scoreboard of tariffs. It might have felt a bit Eurovision but how does the PM stay calm about what it means for the UK? Harriet explains how there are three camps in Labour with different views on whether the Chancellor's promise not to raise any more taxes can hold. She also thinks one consequence of a UK-US trade deal could be 'heartbreaking'. And with the makers of Netflix hit Adolescence going to Downing Street this week – we talk about how TV drama can make a difference in real life. Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.        Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!    Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible. 

    Can Starmer silence the rebels?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 43:05


    Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman analyse Rachel Reeves's spring statement and how Donald Trump may have made things worse for her.   The chancellor has redone her maths to make sure she sticks to her own rules on running the economy - but in doing that she has got tougher on welfare cuts. Can Labour keep the dissenting voices within their own party quiet? Harriet has some insight on how they'll be trying to do that.   And do Trump's tariffs on US car imports (and the prospect of more tariffs looming) just put the chancellor on the backfoot anyway?  Also, after an American journalist was added to a US government Signal group, how much government business is done on apps? And how much loose-lipped gossip is on there?  Meanwhile, as Beth goes into the last few weeks of London marathon training, did we just start the Electoral Dysfunction run club?  Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.        Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!    Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible.   

    Is Rachel Reeves about to have a very tough week?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 42:52


    As Rachel Reeves prepares to unveil the spring statement next week, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss what cuts the chancellor will make to close her budget deficit and how difficult it will be for her to justify her actions.They also examine the effects of this week's welfare reforms and look at what a change in the personal independence payment, or PIP, means for those who rely on it.Also, how will Sir Keir Starmer's "coalition of the willing" protect Ukraine from Russia without US support? The three look at how the prime minister is performing on the world stage and what difference he can make.Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.         Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!    Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey  This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible.   

    Is Keir Starmer bringing back austerity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 36:10


    Sir Keir Starmer is doubling down on his bid to reduce government waste, but is his plan a fix or just more spending spin? Beth is in Hull after hearing what the Labour leader is promising, including scrapping NHS England to "cut bureaucracy" and bring management of the health service "back into democratic control".   Alongside Harriet and Ruth, they also discuss Starmer potentially facing down a rebellion from his own MPs over plans to shake up benefits reform and welfare payments.   The cracks are widening for Reform UK's internal spat. Beth speaks to Andrea Jenkyns, who left the Tories to join Reform, on the party's latest bust-up, and Ruth and Harriet look at whether the party's chaos is helping both Labour and the 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!   

    Rachel Reeves: "People want to talk me down... I'll prove I can do it"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 60:22


    Beth's been to 11 Downing Street to talk to the Chancellor for Electoral Dysfunction. She took some of your questions (and a couple of Electoral Dysfunction mugs) with her.  Rachel Reeves reflects on her first few months in the job, explains what she thinks of the “Rachel from Accounts” label and shares her own money-saving tip which she tries to do every day when at Downing Street. She also hints on what might come in her Spring Statement with some strong words on the need for welfare reform. 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! 

    Will a ministerial resignation dent Starmer's post Trump high?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 34:35


    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! 

    A pact between Farage and Badenoch?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 28:19


     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! 

    Labour WhatsApps: "If you've got racist thoughts then you shouldn't be an MP!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 40:10


    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. 

    Is it already over for Kemi Badenoch?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 38:10


    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.

    Can Love Island help Rachel Reeves?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 39:12


    You can now watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube! Just search for "Electoral Dysfunction".The chancellor was trying to channel Love Island when she announced her plans for growth this week.But are her new ideas actually the "bombshell" her advisers hope they'll be? Can they get everyone's attention?And will the strategy be enough for Rachel Reeves to keep all of the cabinet and the Labour Party on side when so many of them have been opposed to the third runway at Heathrow?Meanwhile, on the five-year anniversary of Brexit – is Sir Keir Starmer getting closer to Europe?Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.      

    Southport murders – was there a ‘cover-up'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 33:59


    As Axel Rudakubana is sentenced for the murder of three young girls and the attempted murder of 10 more people last year, Electoral Dysfunction reflects on how the prime minister has handled claims that authorities covered up how much they knew about the killer in the days and weeks after.Beth discusses how Sir Keir Starmer answered her questions about those claims. Harriet calls for the public inquiry into the failings to be completed quickly and Ruth agrees with the PM about changing the legal definition of terrorism.Later in the podcast – how will Donald Trump impact UK politics?Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.        

    Welcome to Trump World: How everything is changing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 34:22


    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.

    Introducing...Trump 100

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 0:47


    We just want to let you know about a new Sky News podcast which is launching next week!Trump 100 will follow the daily twists and turns of Donald Trump's first 100 days in The White House with the latest updates and analysis...in under 15 minutes.Our top US team of James Matthews, Martha Kelner and Mark Stone will be joined by special guests to delve a little deeper into what's happening and why.It will be available every weekday morning from 6am as well as extended weekend editions. Follow Trump 100 wherever you heard this. Electoral Dysfunction will be back on Friday...as usual!

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