Episodes

  • The US election debriefed

    The US election debriefed
    Nov 7 2024
    Beth, Ruth and Harriet work out what Donald Trump’s second presidency will mean for the UK as they debrief the American election.

    They heard from one of Theresa May’s advisors who had to deal with Trump when he was last in the White House and Harriet offers advice to Sir Keir Starmer.

    She says: “We've got to invite him on a state visit... (it’s) key for our economy and our security.”

    They also explain how his approach to trade deals could cost the British economy and what his leadership might mean for the war in Ukraine.

    Plus, there’s still time to look over Kemi Badenoch’s first PMQs as Conservative leader.

    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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    51 mins
  • What 'truths' will Kemi Badenoch be telling?

    What 'truths' will Kemi Badenoch be telling?
    Nov 2 2024
    Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the Conservative Party.

    How will she rebuild the party? How controversial will she be as leader of the opposition? And what does she mean when she says it's time to "tell the truth"?

    Beth, Ruth and Harriet bring you their reaction to the news in a special Saturday episode of Electoral Dysfunction.

    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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    24 mins
  • Is the farmers' inheritance tax the new pasty tax?

    Is the farmers' inheritance tax the new pasty tax?
    Oct 31 2024
    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
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    48 mins
  • 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