This week, Anoosheh Ashoori speaks to Beth Rigby about his mental health struggles while imprisoned in Iran and his family’s fight to get him back to the UK, while the chancellor Rishi Sunak talks about his Spring Statement, juggling family and work – does he have leadership ambitions?   Plus, more analysis from Beth, her producer Mollie Malone and Sanya Burgess, from our data and forensics team, who worked to get Anoosheh’s exclusive interview for this episode. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.orgEmail: bethrigbypodcast@sky.uk

Beth Rigby Interviews… Rishi Sunak and Anoosheh Ashoori

Beth Rigby. Jess Phillips. Ruth Davidson. With polls suggesting trust in politicians is low, three political powerhouses unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.Every week, they will examine our political leaders and their policies – how they’re written, and how they’re sold to voters – as we prepare for a general election. With so much at stake, 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 us - 07934 200444

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Beth sits down with the deputy Labour leader, Angela Rayner to talk in detail about the investigation into the sale of her ex-council house and the impact it had on her and her family.     They also discuss the row over Diane Abbott and accusations of a purge of Labour’s left. Plus, Angela invites Beth aboard her battle bus as her election campaigning starts to ramp up. Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.         

Extra ED: Beth interviews Angela Rayner

This week, Beth gets Ruth and Jess's take on what's happening now that Diane Abbott has had the Labour whip restored. The WhatsApps from Beth’s sources keep coming as they're recording.    They discuss the strategies behind the Sunak and Starmer campaigns – with one going for headline-grabbing pledges and the other spending the first week focusing on the personal rather than policy.    There's news from Jess on her plans for the campaign – and she met a dog named after Ted Heath when she was out door-knocking, so that takes us in only one direction.    Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.       

Will Diane Abbott stand for Labour? And pets named after politicians.

With Westminster still reeling from the prime minister's decision to call a general election on the 4 July, Beth, Jess and Ruth lift the curtain on what was going on in parliament as rumours started to swirl.     Who decided to call an election now? Why did Rishi Sunak not have an umbrella? And what kind of campaign will the parties run over the next six weeks?     Plus, a listener wants to know if her MP will still be working on her case during the election campaign.    Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.       

'It's on - what will the 2024 election be like?'

After the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer set out what Labour would do if it wins the election, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson discuss the six key policies that have been unveiled.  They also talk about the major speech made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the beginning of the week and debate whether the election campaign has really started.    Plus, it's been a politically good week for Jess Phillips after her amendment to a bill on banning arrested MPs from Parliament was passed by one vote.    And there is a listener email about Swiss food.   Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Was this the week the election campaign really started?

Following the defection of the Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke to Labour, Beth, Ruth and Jess discuss the surprise move and whether it could have been handled differently by Sir Keir Starmer. They also talk about Beth's interview with the former immigration minister Robert Jenrick and his warnings about Reform UK. Plus, how significant was the defeat of former Conservative mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street? Beth and Jess were both there to tell the story. And they answer a question on Labour and the Muslim vote, and what the party can do to restore confidence and trust.   Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth Rigby Interviews… Rishi Sunak and Anoosheh Ashoori

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