It's been a busy first week of politics in 2023, with public sector strikes and healthcare on the agenda. Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby sits down with Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner to discuss the crisis in the NHS, how her party plans to win over voters, and her political journey. Plus, Beth and producer Mollie Malone talk over the big politics stories of the week.Email the podcast at bethrigbypodcast@sky.uk.

Beth Rigby on a new political year, strikes, the NHS crisis - and Angela Rayner

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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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.

'A punch in the gut': The defection of Natalie Elphicke

It’s the morning after the day before for Beth, Ruth and Jess as they pull apart the local election results they have so far.   They discuss what big council losses for the Conservatives could mean for the Rishi Sunak narrative. How does the re-election of Ben Houchen as Tees Valley mayor help him?   Also – are there some niggles for Labour within the results, especially with Muslim communities? Jess explains what she thinks the impact of the Middle East conflict could be in Birmingham.   Plus, all three discuss John Swinney as a contender for Scotland’s first minister.   Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.      Warning: some explicit language.

Elections debrief: Sunak survives? Starmer solid?

Following the prime minister's trip to Europe this week, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson examine whether Rishi Sunak is convincing on the world stage and ask if his announcement on defence spending will help the Conservatives' chances in next week's local elections.     And after the Rwanda bill was passed this week - is this another win for the prime minister or a policy that he should have dumped months ago?     Plus, what's the future for Scottish First Minister Hamza Yusuf following the breakdown of the coalition between the SNP and the Greens. Ruth Davidson who was the leader of the Scottish Conservatives gives her verdict.     And how do MPs get deselected if they behave badly and can you become an MP if you have a past?  The team answer more of your questions. Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

A reset week for Rishi but what will the local elections bring?

Following allegations Tory MP Mark Menzies misused campaign funds, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips, and Ruth Davidson examine the fallout for the government and for the politician who has been suspended from the parliamentary party. He denies all the claims. And after the Commons votes to ban anyone born after 1 January 2009 from buying cigarettes, the trio ask whether the policy is "unconservative" as suggested by some MPs.     As David Cameron meets G7 foreign ministers in Italy, what makes a good foreign secretary?     Plus, Beth, Jess, and Ruth talk about Liz Truss's new book, Ten Years To Save The West, and wonder if she's going to make a bigger comeback.    In response to the suspension of Mark Menzies, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "There's a process in place. He has had the whip withdrawn.  "There's further information that the chief whip I understand became familiar with yesterday and actions being swiftly taken on the basis of that further information.   I think it is important to stress that the MP in question here denies the allegations and so on basis of sort of fairness and proper justice, I think it's important to mention that."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 on a new political year, strikes, the NHS crisis - and Angela Rayner

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