Electoral Dysfunction

As well as this week's usual Electoral Dysfunction, Beth, Ruth and Harriet can be found on a another podcast for one week only.

They debate what should lead the news on Tortoise's The News Meeting with host Basia Cummings.

The agenda includes the need for a public inquiry into Mohamed Al Fayed, why we need to talk about Ukraine, and what Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day says about impartiality at the BBC.

Listen here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/the-news-meeting/

MPs are about to get their first chance to debate and vote on an assisted dying bill for almost a decade. It'll be about a proposed law for England and Wales.   
  
Ruth, Beth and Harriet discuss the hugely divisive issue on this episode - including whether Health Secretary Wes Streeting should have said that the law could impact other NHS services. Hariet thinks he's crossed a line. He plans to vote against the bill.  
  
They also talk about trust in public institutions following the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury, asking has anyone got any faith left in them?   
  
Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

You can read our Sky News explainer about the assisted dying bill here.

Beth, Ruth and Harriet work out what Donald Trump’s second presidency will mean for the UK as they debrief the American election. 
  
They heard from one of Theresa May’s advisors who had to deal with Trump when he was last in the White House and Harriet offers advice to Sir Keir Starmer. 
  
She says: “We've got to invite him on a state visit... (it’s) key for our economy and our security.” 
  
They also explain how his approach to trade deals could cost the British economy and what his leadership might mean for the war in Ukraine. 
  
Plus, there’s still time to look over Kemi Badenoch’s first PMQs as Conservative leader. 
  
Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444 

Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the Conservative Party. 
 
How will she rebuild the party? How controversial will she be as leader of the opposition? And what does she mean when she says it's time to "tell the truth"? 
 
Beth, Ruth and Harriet bring you their reaction to the news in a special Saturday episode of Electoral Dysfunction.  
 
Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444 

Is this the budget we were promised by Labour? And where will the fallout be for the government in the days and weeks to come? 

On the day after the first Labour budget in nearly 15 years - and the first ever delivered by a woman - Beth, Ruth and Harriet unpick the numbers and explain why the critics are so upset.

They also lift the lid on budget week in Westminster - how do cabinet ministers find out how much money their departments are getting? And how does the leader of the opposition prepare their response? 

Later, Ruth finally reveals who she's voted for in the Tory leadership race.  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444

In the week that Donald Trump filed a legal case against the Labour Party for alleged “blatant election interference” - Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask whether we should turn a blind eye to the drama, or whether the former President actually has a point. Just how problematic is this for Keir Starmer?   

Later, Beth interviews Starmer’s former director of strategy, Deborah Mattinson. They discuss whether her gameplan - that helped Labour win the election in July – could get Kamala Harris to the White House next month.   

This interview was recorded on Tuesday 22nd October.       

Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

With just under two weeks to go until Labour’s first budget in 15 years, the knives are out with cabinet members complaining to No 10 about cuts to their departments. 

Should they just accept collective responsibility and keep their heads down? And could Labour be about to break their manifesto pledge if they increase National Insurance contributions for businesses? 

Later, Beth, Ruth and Harriet examine why the Conservative Party leadership candidates have such different approaches to the media. Which outlets are important in 2024? And is that reflected in the US election? 

Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.  

Click here to listen to the Disorder podcast: https://podfollow.com/disorder

We wanted to tell you about something new.

Sky News and NBC News have joined forces for a weekly podcast - The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim.   

For the first episode, Yalda is in Jerusalem and Richard is covering events in Lebanon.   

They discuss what they are seeing and hearing on both sides of the border as the conflict appears to be "spiralling into an abyss".  

And with the US election now four weeks away, they ask whether the economic and military consequences of the war could determine where it’s Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the Oval Office.  

Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube. 

To get in touch or to share questions for Engel and Hakim, email [email protected]. 

Electoral Dysfunction is back on Friday.

As Sir Keir Starmer's government hits its first 100 days after a big shake up in Downing Street, Beth, Harriet, and Ruth discuss the impact of Sue Gray's exit as his chief of staff.  
  
They also get into the Conservative leadership race now that the Tories have the final two contenders selected. Ruth's man James Cleverly is out – so where is her head at now?  
  
And Beth offers the low down on why her interview with the former PM Boris Johnson didn't happen in the end… 
    
Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

With the Tory leadership race down to the final four, Beth’s been at Conservative Party conference in Birmingham to watch the ‘beauty parade’ for herself, while Ruth and Harriet predict who will make it to the final two.    
  
Back in Westminster, it looks like Sir Keir Starmer may have taken Harriet’s advice when he said he’d pay back £6,000 of gifts he’s received since getting into government, but Harriet thinks Labour need to go further to put this scandal to bed.   
  
Plus, Beth has been investigating a question from a listener, about the best smelling politician, and she finally has an answer.

Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.