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The prime minister has resigned after less than two years in Downing Street.In this extra episode, Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman react to a dramatic morning in Westminster and ask the question now hanging over Labour: has the party failed, or is this the reset it desperately needed? And could Andy Burnham be the answer?Beth takes listeners inside the final hours of Starmer's premiership, from cabinet pressure to the emotional resignation speech on the steps of Number 10.Harriet reflects on Sir Keir's legacy and why Labour MPs decided he couldn't lead them into the next election. And did Nigel Farage play a part in Starmer's departure?With Andy Burnham now the overwhelming favourite to succeed him, they also discuss what happens next, whether Labour is heading for a coronation rather than a contest, and if Burnham can succeed where Starmer could not.We'll be back tomorrow for our Sky News Insider subscribers - find out how to subscribe here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunctionGot a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
Andy Burnham is coming back to Westminster – is he about to become prime minister? And could Sir Keir Starmer be in denial?After a stunning victory in the Makerfield by-election, Burnham has gone from mayor of Greater Manchester to Labour MP, instantly kickstarting the speculation about a challenge to Starmer's leadership.So is this the beginning of the end for Starmer and will his MPs turn against him? Harriet has the lowdown from inside the Labour party – so how quickly will it kick off?Beth Rigby has raced back from Makerfield to join Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson as they dissect one of the most consequential by-election results in recent political history and they're answering some of your questions along the way.Plus, Ruth has the latest from Scotland after the by-elections in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. Is this a change in fortune for the Tories?Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.Find out how to subscribe to our members' club, Sky News Insider, here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunctionSky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
Sky News se politieke redakteur Beth Rigby het met Britse eerste minister Keir Starmer by die G7-beraad in Evian-les-Bains op die Frans-Switserse grens gesels oor spesifiek Andy Burnham wat tans poog om in ‘n tussenverkiesing te wen sodat hy terug kan kom in die parlement om teen Starmer as leier van die Arbeidersparty te staan. Starmer sukkel na die Mandelson-Epstein skandaal. Luister self.
As we sat down to get voters' verdicts on the prime minister in Makerfield, he suffered yet another massive headache – his Defence Secretary, John Healey, resigned. And a few hours later, two more resignations. How weak is Keir Starmer now? And is this a problem for the safety of the UK?Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman hear from locals voting next week - do they think Andy Burnham is destined for Number 10? What about the other parties' ambitions for the area, and what do they make of all the attention they've been getting lately?Plus – the ladies have an announcement - you'll have to listen through to the end to find out...For a full list of candidates standing in Makerfield, visit the Electoral Commission website.Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.And if you want to hear more about Ed Conway's Stuff Matters podcast, go to podfollow.com/stuff- matters Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.
Is the UK on its way to becoming ungovernable?And what does a £5m gift to Nigel Farage from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne tell us about scrutiny and transparency in British politics?Harriet Harman, Beth Rigby and Ruth Davidson discuss in a special live edition of the pod, recorded at the Hay Festival.Plus, Harriet offers advice to Green Party leader Zack Polanski on how to handle his council tax row - inspired by her own experience being chased by the paparazzi.For a full list of candidates standing in your area, visit the Electoral Commission website. Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.
Reality show Married At First Sight UK on Channel 4 is facing serious allegations this week, so Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman discuss whether more should be done to make reality TV safer – and if MPs ought to get involved.Plus, with three by-elections coming up, has Andy Burnham's bid to return to Westminster thrown the constituency of Makerfield into chaos? And why might the North Sea oil reserves become a hot button issue for voters in Aberdeen South?For a full list of candidates standing in your area, visit the Electoral Commission website.Channel 4 was approached for comment.Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth, and Harriet on YouTube.
On Thursday lunchtime, Wes Streeting resigned from Sir Keir Starmer's government. The now-former health secretary said he had “lost confidence” in the PM's premiership – the first cabinet minister to jump ship.But what he didn't say (yet) is that he will challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership – and with it, the keys to Number 10.So, why hasn't Streeting fired the starting gun on a contest his critics say he's been desperate to fight? What sort of leader might he eventually be, and what's his track record in government?Niall is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Rob Powell.Watch Wes Streeting's appearance on Electoral Dysfunction with Beth Rigby here.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
Less than two years into his stint, could it all be over for Keir Starmer? The drama is high after a handful of his government ministers have now resigned, and more than eighty MPs are now calling for the PM to go – so can the Prime Minister continue to hold firm?Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman are back with an extra episode to discuss whether Keir Starmer can keep his job, and who his potential challengers are. Plus – could Andy Burnham be the answer to Starmer's troubles?Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.
In this episode the Observer's James Harding is joined by Sky's Political Editor, Beth Rigby, The Sunday Times's Insight Editor, Gabriel Pogrund and the editor of the Spectator Lord Michael, Gove, to discuss British politics. It's never been more polarised, incoherent and volatile, so what might happen next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
UK politics has been reshaped after a bloodbath for Labour in the May elections, so what's next for Keir Starmer and his Government?It was a historic night for both Reform UK and the Green Party – but will their gains translate when it comes to a general election? And can Nigel Farage keep up his momentum?Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman break down the results coming out of Scotland, Wales and England.Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.
If Labour's election losses are as bad as some experts predict, Keir Starmer might need a cabinet reshuffle to try to show some strength of leadership. Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss the risks of that and why it might be counter-productive for the PM. Plus, pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common returns to chat about the Senedd elections in Wales – why has the voting system changed and why do so few voters seem to understand it?For a list of all candidates standing in your area, visit the Electoral Commission website.Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.ukAnd if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.
The King and Ay, ay, ay... One (the royal One) flew over the cuckoo's nest ... Windsors and losers ... too many ways to describe what happened in Washington this week when genuine royalty met wannabe royalty. Join Naomi, Alex and Kenny for a diplomatic murder mystery carried out in the full glare of media lights to find out who got murdered and who... dunnit. PLUS those pesky local/regional/national (delete as appropriate) elections are almost upon us, so who better than political diviner and More In Common big cheese Luke Tryl to help us make sense of the pre-poll gossip and data. For hardcore listeners, there's the usual fix of Grin And Share It. And ... possibly peak Wokey Dokey. Phew. ***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD*** • Luke's new podcast - The Opinion Brief! • More information about Democrats Abroad • C-SPAN, if you don't know it already... • Canada cracks open its doors a little wider • Opening clip fron the (very topical) Jimmy Kimmel monologue. • Full clip of Beth Rigby talking to Zack Polanski here. • CNN legal and security experts react to Comey indictment. • You can listen to Alex's new Podyssey Storytime, on Arachne the Spider Woman, here. • We have put together a BLUESKY STARTER PACK, with all our regular contributors and many more interesting politicos besides • Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com • Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com Brought to you by Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell. Quiet Riot is a Cooler Heads production ***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Keir Starmer says that if he'd known Peter Mandelson had failed his vetting, he would never have appointed him US ambassador.The PM told the MPs that civil servants in the Foreign Office had made a "deliberate decision" not to tell him, and that it "beggars belief" that he didn't know.This is a story full of political process, about whether rules were followed. But for many it may just boil down to why the Prime Minister did not ask more questions, especially when it concerned a man who had already resigned twice from government.In this special extra episode Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman give a full debrief on Keir Starmer's Commons performance.Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.ukAnd if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE |I'm BORED and ANGRY! . #JonGaunt #JongauntTV #ukpolitics #keirstarmer #live #politicalscandal I am bored and angry let's talk about the crap that is happening in the UK this week. No football due to internationals. I prefer club football to international boredom what about you? Starmer and his cover up and comb over!! Have you seen him playing football today?! God Help us. Have you seen Beth Rigby's PR job on him? He should be concentrating on controlling our borders as another 12 year old girl gets raped by an Afghan Asylum Seeker. 15 years?! Hang him or deport him say I. What about you? Are you with Trump or Starmer on Iraq. Loads more and anything you suggest we have an open agenda. Plus lets have a bit of light and shade. Has any film ever been better than the book it's based on? Which remake of a movie or TV series is better than the original? We don't need football lets get talking live from 5 tonight. This is political blogging and hard-hitting social commentary from Triple Sony Gold Award-winning talk radio legend, Jon Gaunt — former host on BBC, Talk Radio, and Sky News. On Jon Gaunt TV, we cut through the noise and say what others won't. No political correctness. No censorship. Just real conversations that matter.
More best bits from Iain's All Talk interviews of 2025, featuring such names as Piers Morgan, Beth Rigby, Jeremy Hunt and Frank Gardner.
This is the second episode of our two-part New Year special. As Britain approaches 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Beth Rigby sits down with former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to ask what really went wrong, and why the consequences have been far worse than predicted.From the failures of the Remain campaign to the rise of grievance politics, Clegg argues Brexit was an elite-driven project that has left the UK poorer, weaker and more dependent on American tech. He also explains why he believes Britain will ultimately return to the European fold - and what has to change before that can happen.You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.Follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/electoraldysfunction/.
The home secretary is going hard on immigration and she's taking a lot of people with her, not least Kemi Badenoch and the Reform party.Shabana Mahmood is using her identity – as a British Asian Muslim – to prove why she understands the migration problem in the country better than most.So how extreme are her new policies, modelled on the Danish system? Can she persuade the whole Labour party that they're not going too far, when they've spent years calling Tory policies "racist"?And as a tough, plain speaking and passionate politician, is she the new Margaret Thatcher? And could she pose a threat to Keir Starmer now the Labour Party is looking beyond him as leader?Plus – Harriet thinks the chancellor will scrap the two child benefit cap entirely at next week's budget – but is that actually popular with the party? Or are Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves bending to the demands of their backbenchers?Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
UPDATE: We talked again on this episode about speculation that Rachel Reeves was going to raise income tax rates in the budget. Since we recorded, Beth's been told that those plans have been ditched. Read her analysis here and we'll discuss what's going on next time.ON THIS EPISODE: Wes Streeting had to say he's more Joe Marler than Jonathan Ross after Number 10 started briefing he was plotting to oust Keir Starmer. Westminster has been full of Traitors analogies after a chaotic week which ended with the PM apologising to his health secretary. Harriet tells Beth and Ruth how it all went down within Labour - and she warns the Faithfuls (as they describe themselves) are getting fed up. We also talk again about speculation that Rachel Reeves will raise income tax rates in the budget. Since we recorded, Beth's been told that those plans have been ditched. Read more about Beth's story here and we'll discuss what's going on next time.Also on this episode: it was a tricky week at the BBC too, after two senior resignations. We discuss how politicians will keep talking about the BBC over the next year. Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
Who is to blame for two more inmates being wrongly freed from prison? The Conservatives attempted a mic drop moment with David Lammy this week by trying to get the Justice Secretary to admit to it live in the House of Commons. So why did Lammy avoid the question five times? And when 262 prisoners were released by mistake in the year to March – how is this happening every week? At the very least, Harriet sees the saga as an opportunity for the government to sort out the prison service. Plus Beth, Ruth and Harriet are joined by pollster Luke Tryl, and a group of voters who tell us why they're not convinced by the Prime Minister so far. So how tricky is this budget going to be for Rachel Reeves when most people's top worry is the cost of living? Can she actually put up taxes? And will more people just end up supporting Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski? Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
Harriet responds to your messages about the Green Party after she went viral for her take on leader Zack Polanski.How does its surge in popularity link up with the result of the Caerphilly by-election? And is the party getting more support because it's not entirely focused on climate change? Plus, rumour has it that the Labour government is planning to raise income tax in next month's budget. It would mean breaking a manifesto promise. So how believable is it? Beth, Ruth and Harriet aren't convinced. They discuss how the government could get itself out of the black hole, and what would happen if it did break its promise on tax. Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
Beth Rigby is the Political Editor of Sky News. She joined the network in 2016 and became Political Editor in 2019, leading coverage of major political events, elections, and interviews with senior figures across Westminster. Before Sky, Beth spent over a decade at the Financial Times, where she served as Deputy Political Editor and Chief Political Correspondent. Beth Rigby is our guest in episode 538 of My Time Capsule and chats to Michael Fenton Stevens about the five things she'd like to put in a time capsule; four she'd like to preserve and one she'd like to bury and never have to think about again .Follow Beth Rigby on Instagram: @bethrigbysky & Twitter/X: @BethRigby .Follow My Time Capsule on Instagram: @mytimecapsulepodcast & Twitter/X & Facebook: @MyTCpod .Follow Michael Fenton Stevens on Twitter/X: @fentonstevens & Instagram @mikefentonstevens .Produced and edited by John Fenton-Stevens for Cast Off Productions .Music by Pass The Peas Music .Artwork by matthewboxall.com .This podcast is proud to be associated with the charity Viva! Providing theatrical opportunities for hundreds of young people .To support this podcast, get all episodes ad-free and a bonus episode every Wednesday of "My Time Capsule The Debrief', please sign up here - https://mytimecapsule.supercast.com. All money goes straight into the making of the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sir Keir Starmer has backed safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, as a fifth abuse survivor calls on her to quit to restore trust in the grooming gangs inquiry. Beth, Ruth and Harriet explain why the national inquiry into the sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs in England and Wales has become so poisonous and why the victims are so unhappy. Plus, as the government faces growing calls to formally strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom – what's the relationship between politics and royalty?And as membership for the Green Party surges, what's the appeal of the leader Zack Polanski? Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
Two powerhouse Labour politicians are vying to replace Angela Rayner as deputy leader. With the winner being announced on 25 October, Beth Rigby has been speaking to both candidates about party unity, leadership, leaks, and their political vision in a special Electoral Dysfunction double-header. Lucy Powell pitches herself as the independent "shop steward" ready to speak truth to power, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson argues real influence comes from inside government. It's a contest that could define Sir Keir Starmer's future - who will win Labour's deputy leadership, the insider or the outsider? Remember, you can also watch Electoral Dysfunction on YouTube, and fill in our short survey here.
There are new questions about who knew what and when about the collapse of a trial of alleged Chinese spies. Beth, Ruth, and Harriet explain why a row involving names you might not know does have implications for the country – can Beijing be both a friend and a foe? And while there are questions for government and civil servants – they ask if Kemi Badenoch has made a misstep with her response. Plus, Beth was there as Donald Trump announced his plan for peace in the Middle East. She shares the stories from her last-minute trip to join world leaders in Egypt. And come back on Sunday for our bumper back to back interviews with both candidates in the Deputy Labour Leadership contest - Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell.Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
Fresh from the conference in Manchester, Beth gives Ruth and Harriet the inside track on her 'tetchy' interview with Badenoch - why couldn't she answer a question about Nigel Farage in the same way Keir Starmer did? And just how bad was her conference gaffe compared to ones in the past?Later, with a peace plan brokered by Donald Trump in the Middle East, what effect will it have on protests here?And has the government got it right on policing demonstrations?Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube. Fill in our survey: https://forms.gle/G72yDkjs6EmoVLp39
Beth's at the Conservative party conference – talking to the shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins. She says that Kemi Badenoch has shown resilience and character in her first year as party leader- but it's taken time to find confidence and her 11 months of ‘listening' and ‘absorbing' has come with ‘political knocks'. She acknowledges that she is sorry about the Tory proposal to leave the ECHR - but says politicians have to deal with the politics of today. She also reveals how her parents met at Tory conference and which politician makes her shout at TV. Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube. Fill in our survey: https://forms.gle/G72yDkjs6EmoVLp39
When the Prime Minister said Reform's migration policy was ‘racist' - was that a mistake? It dominated the Labour Party conference in Liverpool this week, where Beth asked Keir Starmer about his comments... and pulled him up on Donald Trump's remarks about Sadiq Khan. So with the May elections starting to loom in the minds of politicians, how worried are Labour that they are going to lose out to Reform? And did Andy Burnham have the impact everyone expected in Liverpool? Plus, Harriet and Ruth give their tales of conferences past. Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube. Fill in our survey: https://forms.gle/G72yDkjs6EmoVLp39
Health Secretary Wes Streeting didn't want to get moved to the Home Office in the recent reshuffle - and he planned how to get out of it if the job was offered. Beth asks also asks him about future strike action by doctors. He's clear in his warning to members of the BMA: "The NHS is hanging by a thread, don't pull it." The interview was recorded at Labour Party conference. Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
Donald Trump gave his two cents on what women should be doing whilst pregnant this week... and Nigel Farage followed suit with his view back here. So how damaging are their comments? And why do men think they know best about women's bodies? Later - is Andy Burnham plotting a move on Downing Street? He claims Labour MPs are asking him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the party. Days before the Liverpool party conference, what's Burnham up to and will it unsettle MPs? Harriet wonders if everyone is getting over-anxious about the thought of a Reform UK government. And with the UN General Assembly coming to a close in New York, what can we be optimistic about? Ruth and Harriet give their take as part of the Hope Campaign. Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube. And on Monday, we'll have an extra episode in the feed from Labour Party Conference, after Beth sits down with Health Secretary Wes Streeting. As we talked about it on the show the advice on taking Lemsip during pregnancy can be found here: https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/leaflets-a-z/colds-and-flu/
On this episode we are showcasing two of Sky News' other podcasts as we go over Donald Trump's second state visit. Electoral Dysfunction's Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman are joined by Trump 100's Mark Stone to tackle a news conference with potential ramifications to the world order. From the pomp and pageantry to the slightly uneasy division between the President and Prime Minister, the group give their special and unique insight on the historic visit. But who was the winner and are any of the leaders better off? Listen and follow Electoral Dysfunction and Trump 100 wherever you get your podcasts.
Starmer and Trump meet at Chequers and the world's eyes are on them. So why did Trump say he doesn't know Peter Mandelson? The UK's former ambassador to Washington who was sacked last week?And what did Trump mean when he said that Putin had "let him down"? To match the occasion - a special episode of Electoral Dysfunction and Trump100, a Sky News podcast mashup. Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson are joined by Mark Stone, who's been on the state visit all week. So as Team Trump leaves British soil… is Starmer better off now than he was at the start of the week? And where does that press confernece leave him as he prepares to recognise the state of Palestine. Also - Jimmy Kimmel comes off air - what does it say about free spech, both in the US and here at home? Remember you can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel!
Peter Mandelson is sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US - his former cabinet colleague, Harriet, says it's shameful that he didn't resign. It's all after new revelations over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.Ruth isn't impressed either and wonders why Keir Starmer was defending him at PMQs.Donald Trump arrives in London for his state visit next week.Given questions about Epstein always raise his hackles – how will the PM tackle his visit now?Remember, you can also watch Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson on YouTube.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set out her plans for the UK economy during her spring statement in the House of Commons. It came as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) - which monitors the government's spending plans - unveiled its latest economic forecasts. Liz Bates is joined by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby, and economics and data editor Ed Conway, to pick through the detail and discuss why the chancellor changed her original plan. Producers: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby has been to 11 Downing Street to talk to the Chancellor for Electoral Dysfunction. Rachel Reeves reflects on her first few months in the job, and hints on what might come in her Spring Statement with some strong words on the need for welfare reform. You can listen to the full interview on Electoral Dysfunction here.
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.
Iain interviews journalist and broadcaster Beth Rigby about the highlights and challenges of being Sky's political editor, how to get the most out of a political interview, the fun of podcasting over broadcasting and loads more.
President-elect Donald Trump has a strong stance on many issues, from isolationism to border control, not to mention he's an open climate change denier. Is his political platform already shaping UK party politics? Nish and Coco chat to Sky News Political Editor and host of Electoral Dysfunction Beth Rigby about what his looming second-term means for the UK.And with changes to university tuition fees in England for the first time in eight years - we dissect the crisis in higher education with President of the National Union of Students Amira Campbell and General Secretary of the University and College Union Jo Grady. Nish and Coco also dig into the mailbag to find out what you think. Plus - some essential listening - does Coco not understand what a mullet is?Guests:Beth RigbyAmira CampbellJo Grady Useful Links:Christmas Comedy in aid of Women and Children First ft. Nish Kumarhttps://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/show/christmas-comedy-in-aid-of-women-children-first/ Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk
It's Halloween week and the prospect of Trump getting in is certainly spooking Jemma and Marina. The floods in Spain are pretty damn terrifying too, as is the news from other parts of the world, including of course, the situation in the Middle East. However, the Trawl ladies are not ones for sticking their hands in the sand or their fingers in their ears though are still able to laugh about a few things, including what Jemma is reminded of every time she hears the words 'carbon capture.' Of course there is plenty of budget chat, which might not get everyone going but certainly enthralls Beth Rigby. So much so that there ends up following some quite bizarre political entendres. Then, find out what Marina and Jemma make of the main talking points of Rachel Reeves' first budget and of course hear some interesting tweets. Though perhaps avoid Liz Truss' riveting analysis if you can, although Jacob Rees Mogg was delighted to have the economy wrecking former PM on his show to rake it all over and to pontificate. Cool. This episode contains some excellent under rated tweets, a Trump themed pudding and the type of political analysis you're incredibly unlikely to hear anywhere else. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey
Rachel Reeves has delivered a historic budget - Labour's first in 14 years, the first ever from a female chancellor, and the biggest tax-raising fiscal event in more than 30 years. On the Sky News Daily, host Darren McCaffrey is joined by economics and data editor Ed Conway and deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss their reflections and expert analysis on the momentous budget. Plus, political editor Beth Rigby has been speaking to Chancellor Rachel Reeves about whether Labour has broken promises in its election manifesto as the Tories are claiming. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat are contenders to become the next Conservative Party leader. With infighting already playing out among the candidates, and outgoing leader Rishi Sunak calling for party unity, can whoever is successfully chosen last until, and even win, the next general election in 2029? On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is at the Tory party conference in Birmingham, and with political editor Beth Rigby, they discuss the leadership hopefuls' campaigns, and the mood among members for their chances against Labour. Plus, Niall catches up with Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith, former Tory MPs Penny Mordaunt, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, former special adviser to Boris Johnson Tim Montgomerie, and Conservative commentator Iain Dale. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth
Today, we look at the Sky News leaders' event where the two main party leaders were quizzed on their plans for government.Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer were interviewed by Beth Rigby before facing questions from the studio audience. The Labour leader was grilled on tax rises whilst the prime minister faced tough questions on the NHS and immigration. Adam is joined by former Conservative adviser Jo Tanner and former Labour adviser Tom Hamilton.And the Green Party launched their manifesto with a focus on taxing the wealthy to pay for the NHS and housing. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Gemma Roper and Sam McLaren. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Another shocker of a week for the Conservatives which saw their biggest donor caught up in a race row, and their former Deputy Chairman defect to Reform UK. Beth Rigby, Political Editor at Sky News, tells Nish and Coco that the Tories don't want to give back the £10 million they received from Frank Hester last year, despite the racist language he's alleged to have used about the MP Diane Abbott. Beth also reveals what happened at the surprisingly tetchy press conference held by Reform to unveil Lee Anderson as their party's first ever MP in the Commons.Beth tells Nish and Coco why she's obsessed with THAT Royal Mother's Day picture, they discuss Princess Catherine's questionable photoshop skills, conspiracy theories and what it all means for the Royal Family. Nish's hero of the week is film director Jonathan Glazer, while Coco isn't happy with Times columnist Matthew Parris. Plus hear about Beth's Arsenal bantz with Keir Starmer, Coco's visit to the dentist…and more badger chat!Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest:Beth Rigby, Political Editor, Presenter and Podcaster, Sky News Audio credits:Sky NewsSBS/7 Network/Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Useful links:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/electoral-dysfunction/id1613562765https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/who-trolled-amber/
On the 3rd March 2021, Sarah Everard was murdered by Wayne Couzens, an off-duty police officer. The incident sparked national outrage and a surge in fighting violence against women and girls. Three years on, how much has changed? Emma Barnett speaks to the Detective Inspector who interviewed Wayne Couzens, Nick Harvey, and former Detective Superintendent Shabnam Chaudri.If you've browsed through political podcasts recently, you'd be forgiven for thinking the guys have got that particular market cornered. There's The Rest is Politics with Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, Political Currency with Ed Balls and George Osborne, and Politics at Jack and Sam's. That may be about to change, with an all-female line-up on new podcast Electoral Dysfunction, featuring Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Labour MP Jess Phillips and Conservative peer and former Scottish party leader Ruth Davidson. Jess and Ruth join Emma Barnett to tell her what they'll be covering.Poet Hollie McNish is back with a new book, with her unique and hugely relatable take on all kinds of taboos, on subjects ranging from friendships, parenthood and breastfeeding, to periods, UTIs and vulvas. Her live readings are often blush inducing, with plenty of adult content and strong language. She's talking to Emma Barnett about her inspiration behind the book of poetry and prose ‘Lobster and other things I'm learning to love'. Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, better known as CMAT, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. Playing country-tinged pop, both of her albums have topped the Irish Albums Chart. She was longlisted for the BBC's Sound of 2024 and joins Emma fresh from the BRIT awards, where she was nominated for Best International Artist. Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Emma Pearce