Lord Simon McDonald was permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office during Dominic Raab’s time there. He’s told Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby he thinks the former deputy prime minister, who resigned from Government after a report upheld two bullying claims against him, should apologise for his behaviour.On the podcast this week, Beth also talks football, as she is joined by Aston Villa’s chief executive Christian Purslow with the future of the Premier League and a new government regulator for football among topics discussed. Plus, Beth and her producer Mollie reflect on some of the week’s other big stories following the Diane Abbott racism row. Email bethrigbypodcast@sky.uk Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Paul Stanworth – editor

Raab fallout with Lord Simon McDonald, plus Aston Villa’s Christian Purslow

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

News

Politics

News Commentary

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.

'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.

Raab fallout with Lord Simon McDonald, plus Aston Villa’s Christian Purslow

Download our free app to listen on your phone