Electoral Dysfunction

Beth joins the Prime Minister on his historic trip to China, where he has met the country's president Xi Jinping. It’s a trip that has sparked debate back in the UK, amid worries over espionage and security. But has it helped reset relations? And what does Starmer really hope to achieve from his visit? Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss. Plus, Beth brings us all the behind-the-scenes gossip from the trip - including what it was like on the PM’s plane and what gift Starmer bought for Xi. Meanwhile, back in the UK, listeners have been sending in their questions about the recent Conservative defections to Reform UK. Has Nigel Farage managed to quieten his critics, now his party includes experience of government? And with the Tory right increasingly jumping ship, how has Kemi Badenoch handled the growing number of defections? Harriet and Ruth tackle your questions. You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.

Andy Burnham came across as "entitled", according to Harriet Harman, when he went on social media after Keir Starmer blocked him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. So what actually happened behind the scenes?This mini episode is your quick guide to the political chaos of the past 48 hours. Why did Mr Burnham try to get back into parliament and why did Labour’s leadership move to stop him? What does it mean for Starmer's authority, the looming by-election, and Labour's battle with Reform?Plus, as we go into the studio to record, there's another major Conservative defection - former home secretary Suella Braverman - to Reform. What's going on in the Conservative Party? And do Ruth Davidson and Andy Street have the answer?You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.Remember, you can also watch Beth, Harriet and Ruth on YouTube.

Should social media be banned for under 16s? After a dramatic vote in the House of Lords, Beth, Harriet and Ruth dig into what a ban would really mean and what impact it will have on young people, and they hear from some of them.And on the world stage, Donald Trump’s threats over Greenland and tariffs have rattled allies and forced an uncomfortable reckoning about the strength of the transatlantic relationship. With Davos dominated by power plays and a hard-hitting speech from Canada’s Mark Carney, the trio ask whether the rules-based world order is already breaking, and where that leaves Britain.You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.Remember, you can also watch Beth, Harriet and Ruth on YouTube.

Robert Jenrick joins Reform and becomes the party’s second big name defection from the Tories in days – after former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi jumped ship earlier in the week.So is this a big blow to Kemi Badenoch? Beth, Ruth and Harriet think she’s come out of it all pretty well after dramatically sacking her former leadership rival before he could jump ship.How much will the Tories miss Jenrick? And how will he get on working with Nigel Farage, his new leader? The ladies look back at some of Farage’s past comments about Jenrick.You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Harriet and Ruth on YouTube.

“We feel bullied” - former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt joins Beth, Harriet, and Ruth on this week’s Electoral Dysfunction, as Denmark finds itself at the centre of a growing international crisis over Greenland. Thorning-Schmidt describes how it feels for a small nation to be pressured by a far more powerful ally. As Donald Trump revives his threats over Greenland, the trio examine what this moment means for NATO, international law, and the rules-based order plus whether the UK’s special relationship with the US actually matters anymore. You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk. And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Harriet and Ruth on YouTube.

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/.

This is the first episode of our two-part New Year special. Ten years on from the referendum that rewired British politics, Beth, Ruth and Harriet are joined by one of the architects of Brexit, Michael Gove, to rewind through some of the biggest moments. From David Cameron's surprise 2015 decision to take a gamble and call the referendum, to the brutal tribalism of a campaign that forced the country into a choice between two tick boxes. Ruth and Harriet take us through the Remain campaign and give their takes on why it didn't always cut through – while Michael Gove reveals why he first thought a referendum was a mistake, the friendships it fractured, the high-stakes calculations that pulled key figures into the Leave campaign, Boris Johnson’s “star signing” and the effort to keep Nigel Farage off the biggest stages. And he tells the ladies he regrets pulling the rug from under Boris Johnson when he was trying to become Prime Minister after the Brexit vote. You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Harriet and Ruth on YouTube.

Get ready for some festive fun as the hosts tackle the quirkiest side of politics! Discover which Prime Minister had the absolute worst Christmas, complete with hilarious anecdotes. Ever wondered about Larry the Cat's holiday feast? They reveal his special treats! Learn what goes on at Chequers during the holidays and join a spirited debate on Brussels sprouts, featuring culinary tips from a renowned chef. Don't miss the lighthearted reflections on Secret Santa within the House of Commons!

The discussion dives into the pressing issue of teaching boys about sexual violence in today's culture. Jess Phillips highlights Labour's focused strategy on prevention and accountability. The hosts debate the role of education and parental responsibility in shaping attitudes. They also tackle the impact of online misogyny and the need for proactive engagement with boys. Insights are shared on political shifts and potential winners in the coming years, all while emphasizing the urgency of fostering positive male role models.

The discussion heats up in Westminster as Labour faces internal unrest with a new cabinet member joining. Delving into the urgent findings of Baroness Amos's report on maternal care, personal stories reveal systemic failings. The hosts reflect on Labour's evolving stance on Europe and the complications of post-Brexit trade. As they explore Starmer’s leadership dilemmas, they debate whether he is building necessary alliances or struggling in isolation. Amidst these political dynamics, the urgent need for reform in women's health services takes center stage.