Electoral Dysfunction Sky News

Special guest, Labour's Emily Thornberry, joins Beth and Ruth to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's position on the world stage.    
  
They examine what was in the King's Speech and talk about the prime minister's meeting of foreign leaders at Blenheim Palace.    
  
They also talk about violence against politicians following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, and Emily shares her own experience while campaigning. 
 
Email Beth and Ruth, at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 
 

Labour MP and now government minister Jess Phillips is back for one last episode with Beth and Ruth.  

On this episode they discuss Jess' appointment as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office - and why she can't continue with the podcast.  

They also talk about the Prime Minister's trip to Washington for the NATO summit and questions over whether Joe Biden should pull out of the 2024 US presidential election race.  

Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 

Labour MP Jess Phillips is back with Beth and Ruth to un-pick the election results.   
  
On this episode they discuss how Jess was heckled when she narrowly held her seat of Birmingham Yardley.   
  
They also look at the wider Labour results and talk about Rishi Sunak’s resignation speech, as well as discussing why Reform and the Liberal Democrats took seats from the two main parties. 

In response to this episode, the Workers Party of Britain said:

"Labour are on their way out in Birmingham, because of their betrayal of ordinary people.

"We will keep banging the drum and rid Labour from this great city."

Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 
 
   

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth for the last few days of the election campaign. 
  
On this episode they discuss how Beth is preparing for election night – what constituencies to look out for and they give a listener advice on election snacks. 
  
They also discuss the final days of campaigning and why the Tories are attacking Keir Starmer for suggesting he will finish work at 6pm on a Friday night if he becomes Prime Minister.   
  
Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 

For the final call-up from Jess’ subs bench, Beth and Ruth get their first male co-host – Rylan! 
 
The self-confessed politics junkie explains where his interest comes from, why he always keeps Wednesday free for PMQs – and his own experience of interviewing the Prime Minister. 
 
Plus, he explains how his own experience in the public eye could help new MPs. 
 
And there’s an update on Ruth’s campaign letterbox injury.
  
Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.         
   

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth as the election campaign moves towards its final week.  

On this episode they answer listener questions about Nigel Farage - after the Reform UK leader suggested the West provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while insisting he was not an "apologist or supporter of Putin" - and more on Priti Patel's chances of becoming leader of the Conservative Party.  

They also discuss the role of Sir Keir Starmer's wife Victoria in the Labour campaign and what her role might be if Labour form the next government. 
  
Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.