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22 episodes
Electoral Dysfunction
by Sky News · English
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 200444
Latest episodes
All episodes
Russell Brand, David Walliams and the return of MeToo
A “MeToo” reckoning in the UK media, sparked by Russell Brand’s rape conviction and new allegations against comedian David Walliams, and a debate about how to change rape trial procedures and…
13 Nov 2026 · 35m · 17 chaptersBONUS EPISODE: Russell Brand and the reality of rape trials
Bonus members episode explaining what happens in UK rape/sexual assault trials and debating reforms after Russell Brand’s conviction (found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual…
13 Nov 2026 · 26m · 14 chaptersWhat can Andy Burnham learn from Donald Trump?
The episode compares US midterm results and Donald Trump’s political future with lessons for UK politics, then examines UK Labour’s immigration/settlement rule changes led by Shabana Mahmood.
6 Nov 2026 · 33m · 11 chaptersNothing left to tax – are painful cuts on the way?
Analysis of the UK Labour government’s budget and what it signals for upcoming “painful cuts,” especially around welfare reform, defence spending, and public spending pressures.
30 Oct 2026 · 47m · 18 chaptersCould Andy Burnham come unstuck on immigration and welfare?
The episode discusses whether Labour leader Andy Burnham can “hold” support on immigration and welfare, focusing on findings from a seven-person voter focus group in his Makerfield constituency.
23 Oct 2026 · 45m · 23 chaptersDoes Andy Burnham know enough about AI?
Liz Kendall (former UK Technology Secretary) discusses Labour’s early “Burnham era” priorities: welfare reform and welfare bill growth, the budget and fiscal rules, and making AI central to a 10-year…
16 Oct 2026 · 46m · 17 chaptersHas Zack Polanski’s Green bubble burst?
The episode of Electoral Dysfunction (Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, Harriet Harman) focuses on election result Friday: a Holborn and St Pancras by-election where Labour’s Sagal Abdiwali held the seat…
9 Oct 2026 · 38m · 15 chaptersAndy Burnham draws his battle lines
Electoral Dysfunction discusses Labour Party conference and Andy Burnham’s consequential prime-ministerial speech, focusing on “battle lines” for a new politics/economy and the policy…
2 Oct 2026 · 48m · 21 chaptersCan Andy Burnham make Britain believe again?
The episode focuses on whether Labour leader Andy Burnham can make Britain “believe again,” after his first major international trip to the UN in New York and his upcoming Labour Party conference…
25 Sep 2026 · 43m · 9 chaptersIs the government doing anything to stop AI killing us all?
The episode debates UK government handling of asylum accommodation and online safety regulation, then pivots to whether government is doing enough to regulate AI amid warnings it could be dangerous.
18 Sep 2026 · 57m · 19 chaptersWhy did Andy Burnham choose Israel for his biggest moment yet?
The episode of Electoral Dysfunction (Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, Harriet Harman) focuses on Labour’s new foreign-policy move: UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and what it signals…
11 Sep 2026 · 52m · 14 chaptersWhat changes if Zack Polanski is an MP?
The episode reviews Parliament’s return and the first Prime Minister’s Questions under Labour PM Andy Burnham, focusing on style (“problem solving” vs point scoring), welfare vs defence, and whether…
4 Sep 2026 · 39m · 13 chapters'A bloodsport': Were journalists to blame for Keir Starmer’s downfall?
A Q&A episode on the relationship between politics and the media, focusing on whether journalists “bloodsport” Keir Starmer’s downfall and whether relentless Westminster coverage creates a…
28 Aug 2026 · 43m · 14 chaptersHow ‘mega-donors’ are buying political influence... and your algorithm
How “mega-donors” and private money buy political influence in the UK, and how tech/digital campaigning and weak transparency rules may amplify that influence and enable foreign interference.
21 Aug 2026 · 48m · 15 chaptersWhat does Nigel Farage’s win in Clacton actually prove?
Electoral Dysfunction discusses Nigel Farage’s Clacton by-election win and what it signals for Reform UK’s polling, plus the restart of parliamentary standards scrutiny over Farage’s finances.
14 Aug 2026 · 40m · 13 chapters'I hated it': Jess Phillips on life inside Keir Starmer's government
Jess Phillips reflects on her time as a Labour minister in Keir Starmer’s government, why she “hated” being a minister, what she achieved on the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, and why she…
7 Aug 2026 · 35m · 17 chapters‘Intensely unpopular’: Was Keir Starmer doomed from the start?
An interview on Electoral Dysfunction (Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman) arguing whether Keir Starmer was “doomed from the start,” focusing on why his public popularity collapsed after a July 2024…
31 Jul 2026 · 44m · 20 chaptersIs the Burnham government starting to feel like The Traitors?
The hosts debate whether Andy Burnham’s new Labour government is becoming factional like “The Traitors,” focusing on cabinet reshuffles, loyalty vs merit, and tensions in Scotland.
24 Jul 2026 · 45m · 14 chaptersDid a "difficult woman" upset Andy Burnham's cabinet plans?
Hosts discuss Andy Burnham’s first 24 hours as UK Prime Minister, focusing on his cabinet appointments, communication style, and early policy moves.
22 Jul 2026 · 38m · 12 chaptersHas Starmer done Burnham any favours?
Labour leadership/PM transition from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham; how Burnham can build public recognition and form a cabinet; polling showing many voters don’t know Burnham; MPs’ unanimous support…
17 Jul 2026 · 46m · 21 chapters
Could Farage's by-election plan backfire?
The episode debates whether Nigel Farage’s plan to resign as MP for Clacton and trigger a by-election could backfire, and contrasts it with Labour leader Andy Burnham’s proposed “different” style of…
10 Jul 2026 · 42m · 19 chaptersWill women get a seat at Andy Burnham’s table?
The episode focuses on two linked issues for Labour’s incoming leader Andy Burnham: (1) the financial “black hole” created by Keir Starmer’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) and how it will constrain…
3 Jul 2026 · 43m · 19 chaptersWe use cookies.They keep VO running smoothly and help us improve it. Privacy policy