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Electoral Dysfunction

Electoral Dysfunction

By: Sky News
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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. Each episode examines who holds influence, what politicians are really saying, and the forces driving decisions behind closed doors. With authoritative insight and candid conversation, they assess who is rising, who is falling, and who is heading for Electoral Dysfunction. For audience questions and comments, message the team on WhatsApp: 07934 200444Copyright Sky News Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election?
    Jun 26 2026

    Andy Burnham is closing in on Downing Street as Nigel Farage endures a tricky political week. But does Burnham actually have a mandate to be Prime Minister? Or should we have a general election?

    Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman give their takes on what Burnham's first 100 Days could look like and who might be in his cabinet, including the all-important role of chancellor. Harriet says one of her picks for the job has to prove his credibility.

    And with more scrutiny on Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne – how is Farage reacting?

    Farage has said he is "absolutely convinced I've done nothing wrong in any way at all" and he has "taken zero in personal expenses" since being elected in July 2024

    "I'm very careful and very cautious about these things," he said. "I believe it to be a wholly private matter, the standards commissioner may take a different view."

    To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction

    Got 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.

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    49 mins
  • Keir Starmer resigns. What’s next?
    Jun 22 2026

    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/electoraldysfunction

    Got 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.

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    20 mins
  • ‘Andy Burnham is going to be Prime Minister’
    Jun 19 2026

    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/electoraldysfunction

    Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.

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    41 mins
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All stars
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This podcast has settled in to be excellent: incisive and down to earth. A refreshing change from the mansplaining of other political podcasts.

no mansplaining

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I listen to lots of political pods and this is one of my favourites. Female voices on a range of serious topics, down to earth, interesting and humorous. Doesn't take itself too seriously.

upbeat commentary

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Love the honesty, humour and insight into politics especially from a female perspective. Great discussions.

Honesty

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Though love the friendly chat and banter the way you break it down in a way that us who are trying to work out what on earth is going on as politics quite often seems like a massive traffic jam with everyone yelling and honking and a few just going round and round the roundabout occasionally signalling turning and then just going round again so thank you so much and hey I managed my descriptions without expletives😁😁

I understood that😁

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Someone has got to create wealth and jobs - you would not having fun podcasting if it was all about anti-business Labour …. So your pro-labour it’s best sucks. End!

Boring

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