Electoral Dysfunction
Political powerhouses Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond. Every episode, they will examine politicians, what they stand for and how they sell polices as UK politics enters a new era. They will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you. WhatsApp - 07934 200444
Episodes
July 31, 2025 • 38 mins
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 o...
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July 25, 2025 • 40 mins
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 hotel...
So what is the government's strategy? And what's really going on in towns like Epping, where asylum hotel...
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July 18, 2025 • 47 mins
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 repeat...
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 repeat...
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July 10, 2025 • 48 mins
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 wit...
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 wit...
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July 8, 2025 • 39 mins
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 fi...
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 fi...
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July 3, 2025 • 46 mins
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 ...
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 ...
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June 26, 2025 • 49 mins
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 Ru...
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 Ru...
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June 23, 2025 • 25 mins
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, Rut...
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, Rut...
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June 19, 2025 • 45 mins
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 it...
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 it...
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June 13, 2025 • 45 mins
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 t...
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 t...
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June 6, 2025 • 47 mins
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 ...
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 ...
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June 5, 2025 • 29 mins
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 gover...
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 gover...
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May 30, 2025 • 34 mins
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 wha...
It’s just a week on from that EU debate he missed in the House of Commons because he was on holiday himself. So wha...
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May 23, 2025 • 55 mins
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 M...
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 M...
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May 16, 2025 • 45 mins
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...
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...
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May 8, 2025 • 53 mins
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 Labo...
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 Labo...
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May 3, 2025 • 41 mins
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 sa...
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 sa...
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April 25, 2025 • 55 mins
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 Eng...
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 Eng...
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April 18, 2025 • 24 mins
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 m...
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 m...
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April 10, 2025 • 33 mins
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 ...
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 ...
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