Electoral Dysfunction

This week, Ruth's changed her opinion about Kemi Badenoch – but it isn't any more favourable for the new Tory leader. Ruth had thought she'd get two years in the job – now she's thinking it might be less than 18 months. Beth's in a hotel room in Preston after an interview with Keir Starmer. She reflects on how the prime minister can push his domestic message when most people want to talk about Donald Trump. And Harriet goes all headmistressy with a warning to new Labour MPs in the "red wall" who've reportedly set up a group to lobby their leader for a tougher stance on migration. She says: "We don't want factionalism and all these different tribes. Don't set up these flipping groups." You can now watch us on YouTube! Just search for "Electoral Dysfunction".Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

You can now watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube! Just search for "Electoral Dysfunction".The chancellor was trying to channel Love Island when she announced her plans for growth this week.But are her new ideas actually the "bombshell" her advisers hope they'll be? Can they get everyone's attention?And will the strategy be enough for Rachel Reeves to keep all of the cabinet and the Labour Party on side when so many of them have been opposed to the third runway at Heathrow?Meanwhile, on the five-year anniversary of Brexit – is Sir Keir Starmer getting closer to Europe?Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

As Axel Rudakubana is sentenced for the murder of three young girls and the attempted murder of 10 more people last year, Electoral Dysfunction reflects on how the prime minister has handled claims that authorities covered up how much they knew about the killer in the days and weeks after.Beth discusses how Sir Keir Starmer answered her questions about those claims. Harriet calls for the public inquiry into the failings to be completed quickly and Ruth agrees with the PM about changing the legal definition of terrorism.Later in the podcast – how will Donald Trump impact UK politics?Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

After "going dark" for most of the week, Beth pops up in Poland to talk world politics with Ruth and Harriet. Top security, a slow train and Russian drones are all part of the inside story of the prime minister's visit to Ukraine.Beth explores why UK solidarity with Ukraine could mean British boots on the ground.And overshadowing everything is president-elect Trump. He is already leaving his mark on the world. Trump claimed his impending inauguration piled on the pressure to get the Gaza ceasefire deal through.Ruth, Harriet and Beth work out how the UK needs to manage its role in "Trump World". And in Ukraine, Beth finds out if the Trump era could leave the country feeling betrayed.Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

We just want to let you know about a new Sky News podcast which is launching next week!Trump 100 will follow the daily twists and turns of Donald Trump's first 100 days in The White House with the latest updates and analysis...in under 15 minutes.Our top US team of James Matthews, Martha Kelner and Mark Stone will be joined by special guests to delve a little deeper into what's happening and why.It will be available every weekday morning from 6am as well as extended weekend editions. Follow Trump 100 wherever you heard this. Electoral Dysfunction will be back on Friday...as usual!

Beth, Harriet, and Ruth dive into the storm surrounding Elon Musk's incendiary comments about UK grooming gangs, Sir Keir Starmer, and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. They unpack the political fallout, whether Labour's response has been enough, and if the Conservatives have been opportunistic in their approach. Plus, how Musk's influence mirrors larger challenges, from misinformation to political donations. You can catch Beth's full interview with Jess Phillips in the Electoral Dysfunction podcast feed. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444

In this extra episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Jess Phillips sits down with Beth and reveals what she has lived through in the past few weeks. Elon Musk accused the Labour MP of being a "rape genocide apologist", putting her in the middle of a political storm. As the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips also explains what the government is doing to tackle violence against women and girls. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Former Conservative cabinet ministers Penny Mordaunt and Gillian Keegan join Beth, Ruth and Harriet in the studio to take us behind the scenes of the final days of the last government. For their final podcasts of 2024, Beth and Ruth ask how the Conservatives fell from power and they get the inside track on Labour’s election campaign from Harriet. In Part 2, we go inside the Cabinet Room in No 10 Downing Street and we find out what the King was up to on the day the election was called. Also – how do you deal with an election campaign full of gaffes? And what happens when you lose your parliamentary seat? Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Former Conservative cabinet ministers Penny Mordaunt and Gillian Keegan join Beth, Ruth and Harriet in the studio to take us behind the scenes of the final days of the last government. For their final podcasts of 2024, Beth and Ruth ask how the Conservatives fell from power and they get the inside track on Labour's election campaign from Harriet. In Part 1, Penny and Gillian look back at the low mood in the party at the end of 2023, going into the election year.What led Rishi Sunak to call the election early? And just how bad was it to have a front seat to the dysfunction? Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth, Harriet, and Ruth with their first Christmas episodes - answering your emails and voice notes. From how to modernise the House of Lords, to what the fall of the Assad regime in Syria means for women. And, who hosts the best Christmas party in Westminster? Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

As Sir Keir Starmer sets out the six 'milestones' his government wants to hit before the next general election, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if leaving immigration off the list was a wise move for the PM. Plus, as middle-class women of a certain age, they have some thoughts on the allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. Sky News has contacted representatives for Gregg Wallace for comment on the allegations against him. His lawyers say it is "entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature". A BBC spokesperson said any issues raised are taken seriously and there are "robust processes in place" to deal with them.They added: "We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated," Banijay UK, the Masterchef production company, has appointed a law firm to lead its investigation, It said the company takes complaints "incredibly seriously" but will not comment on individual allegations while the investigation is ongoing.

As well as this week’s usual episode, Beth, Ruth and Harriet decompress after a busy Friday in Westminster. The Assisted Dying Bill, which allows adults who are terminally ill to be provided with assistance to end their own lives, has passed through parliament. Ruth and Harriet react to the historic vote. Plus, a cabinet minister has resigned after a "mistake" revealed by Sky News, less than five months into government. What does it mean for Keir Starmer 👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Email Beth, Ruth and Harriet at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Does Kemi Badenoch need to work harder to get the public to understand what she’s about and what she stands for? Ruth’s got some advice for the new Conservative leader after her first few weeks in the job. After a run of wins in local council seats, we ask if Labour and the Conservatives need to be more worried about Nigel Farage and Reform. And, if you listen to this podcast sped up, things are going to get even faster at the start of the episode! Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

In the week farmers descended on Westminster, Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask just how difficult these protests are for the government. They question whether the chancellor could roll back on her budget commitment to scrap the inheritance tax relief for agricultural property worth over £1m and whether Labour can afford to lose the rural vote. Also, as Labour's Scottish leader Anas Sarwar distances himself from the government over winter fuel payments, Beth, Ruth and Harriet explore what the prime minister stands for as he grapples with huge domestic rows while meeting world leaders abroad at the G20 Summit.They also reflect on the life of John Prescott – the longest serving deputy leader of the Labour party and Harriet's old colleague. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.You can read this explainer for more on the farmers' protest and the row over inheritance tax.

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.

With Prime Minister Keir Starmer in New York and the Labour Party conference over, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if it's all been overshadowed by the ongoing freebies row. Harriet suggests Starmer should watch football on TV to end the row, while Beth explains her interview with the prime minister and how it went for her. Plus, Beth, Harriet and Ruth talk about the UK response to the conflict in the Middle East. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

As the row over Keir Starmer's freebies rumbles on, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if the prime minister can put the issue to bed before the Labour Party conference this weekend. What does the leaking of senior special adviser Sue Gray's salary tell us about tension in the new government? And is Starmer's Rome scheme any different from Sunak's Rwanda plan? Plus, Ruth and Harriet share their best conference stories, along with a few tips for where to find the best parties! For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to: www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

With the winter fuel allowance vote passing in the House of Commons, Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss the row and government’s approach to dealing with the unpopular policy. They also look at MPs who have second jobs presenting TV shows (or podcasts) and what sort of extra work or broadcast appearances they should, or shouldn’t, be paid for. Plus, with both Harriet and Ruth now in the House of Lords, they discuss how the unelected chamber could be modernised, and if it should even exist. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to: www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth, Harriet and Ruth look at the political fallout from this week's Grenfell Inquiry report, and ask if the government can do more to speed up any prosecutions. Plus, Harriet reveals her surprising connection with one of the Conservative leadership hopefuls. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth and Ruth have some news! They’ve got a new permanent co-host on Electoral Dysfunction. Labour legend and former deputy prime minister Harriet Harman is joining the line up every week to take you behind the curtain of the biggest political stories and answer your questions. This week, they discuss the prime minister’s abrupt end to summer and how he is preparing the country for a busy political autumn. Harriet is also joining Beth and Ruth live on tour. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email Beth, Ruth and Harriet at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Ruth and Beth are once again joined by the former Labour MP and ex-shadow culture secretary, Thangam Debbonaire to answer listener questions.They explain the role of special advisers in politics and discuss whether the devolved nations still need their own secretaries of state in Westminster. They also give us a history lesson on PMQs and dissect political messaging around the economy. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Ruth and Beth are back from their holidays to catch up on the big political stories. This time, they’re joined by former Labour MP and former shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire. They talk about the riots across England in the last couple of weeks with Thangam saying that Keir Starmer should have called them racist earlier. And Ruth explains why she’s chosen to back James Cleverly in the race to be the next Tory leader. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

In an episode recorded before their summer break, Beth and Ruth are delving back into the inbox for another "Answer the Question" special. It's Labour's Harriet Harman who is back to help them. They explore why Labour has still not had a female leader while the Conservatives have had three, how the new government might handle the press, and why "heretics" could be banned from the House of Lords. For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ If you’ve got a question you want answering, email Beth and co on [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth and Ruth are back with another Answer The Question special, and this time they’re joined by former Labour shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth. They discuss if the media did enough to report on abuse of MPs during the election, reasons young people should be hopeful for the future, and the time Jon was inducted to the privy council by the late Queen... on Zoom. 👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈 For more information on dates and tickets for our tour, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ If you’ve got a question you want answering, email Beth and co on [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

For information about Electoral Dysfunction Live, go to: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Labour grandee Harriet Harman is back on the podcast and joins Beth and Ruth to unpick Keir Starmer’s first PMQs as Prime Minister. The ladies look ahead to what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is going to say about the state of the country's finances after 14 years of Conservative rule, and Harriet gives her take on the seven Labour rebels on the 2-child benefit cap, and look.Plus, what impact will Kamala Harris have on the Democrats chances of beating Trump's Republicans?Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Beth and Ruth are just popping up in the feed with some news. Hopefully you’ve all got a free night in September! For more information on dates and tickets, go to https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/

Special guest, Labour's Emily Thornberry, joins Beth and Ruth to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's position on the world stage. They examine what was in the King's Speech and talk about the prime minister's meeting of foreign leaders at Blenheim Palace. They also talk about violence against politicians following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, and Emily shares her own experience while campaigning. Email Beth and Ruth, at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Labour MP and now government minister Jess Phillips is back for one last episode with Beth and Ruth. On this episode they discuss Jess' appointment as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office - and why she can't continue with the podcast. They also talk about the Prime Minister's trip to Washington for the NATO summit and questions over whether Joe Biden should pull out of the 2024 US presidential election race. Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Labour MP Jess Phillips is back with Beth and Ruth to un-pick the election results. On this episode they discuss how Jess was heckled when she narrowly held her seat of Birmingham Yardley. They also look at the wider Labour results and talk about Rishi Sunak’s resignation speech, as well as discussing why Reform and the Liberal Democrats took seats from the two main parties. In response to this episode, the Workers Party of Britain said:"Labour are on their way out in Birmingham, because of their betrayal of ordinary people."We will keep banging the drum and rid Labour from this great city."Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth for the last few days of the election campaign. On this episode they discuss how Beth is preparing for election night – what constituencies to look out for and they give a listener advice on election snacks. They also discuss the final days of campaigning and why the Tories are attacking Keir Starmer for suggesting he will finish work at 6pm on a Friday night if he becomes Prime Minister. Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

For the final call-up from Jess’ subs bench, Beth and Ruth get their first male co-host – Rylan! The self-confessed politics junkie explains where his interest comes from, why he always keeps Wednesday free for PMQs – and his own experience of interviewing the Prime Minister. Plus, he explains how his own experience in the public eye could help new MPs. And there’s an update on Ruth’s campaign letterbox injury. Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth as the election campaign moves towards its final week. On this episode they answer listener questions about Nigel Farage - after the Reform UK leader suggested the West provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while insisting he was not an "apologist or supporter of Putin" - and more on Priti Patel's chances of becoming leader of the Conservative Party. They also discuss the role of Sir Keir Starmer's wife Victoria in the Labour campaign and what her role might be if Labour form the next government. Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Presenter turned political campaigner Carol Vorderman joins Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson as the general election campaign enters its final fortnight.Jess has chosen Carol for her subs bench this time because of the campaigning she now does on social media.They assess the damage accusations people close to the PM placed bets on the election date, could have on the Conservative campaign.Plus, Beth, Ruth and Carol talk about why some listeners are seeing no campaigning on their doorstep, while others can’t escape the leaflets.Email Beth, Ruth, and Carol at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. In this episode we mention the constituency of Bristol North West, the full list of candidates are: Caroline Gooch (Liberal Democrats)Darren Jones (Labour Party)Scarlett O'Connor (Reform UK)Mary Page (Green Party)Laura Saunders (Conservative and Unionist Party)Ben Smith (Social Democratic Party)

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson as the general election campaign heads towards its final fortnight. They're assessing whether Labour can shake off the questions about its taxation policies. As Conservative Grant Shapps seemed to accept election defeat in an interview, is that something anyone should do in the middle of the campaign? They discuss the "what ifs" of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as he tries to become an MP. And as the SNP launch their manifesto, how is the election shaping up differently in Scotland? Plus, Beth, Ruth and Ayesha tackle listeners' questions on manifesto promises and Reform UK’s unusual set-up. Email Beth, Ruth, and Margaret at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. In this episode, we mention the Clacton-on-Sea constituency, the full list of candidates are: Bensilum, Matthew (Liberal Democrats) Farage, Nigel Paul (Reform UK) Jamieson, Craig (Climate Party) Mack, Tony (Independent) Osben, Natasha (Green Party) Owusu-Nepaul, Jovan (Labour Party) Papanastasiou, Tasos (Heritage Party) Pemberton, Andrew (UKIP – NO to Illegal Immigration) Watling, Giles Francis (Conservative Party)

Former Labour MP Margaret Hodge joins Sky's Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson to talk about the latest developments in the general election campaign. On this episode, Beth takes us behind the scenes of Sky's leaders' event in Grimsby, where Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak faced not just Beth, but an audience of voters on their plan for the country. Ruth and Margaret give their take on how the two men did, and they also react to Labour's 'no surprises' manifesto launch. Plus, the trio answer listeners' questions - including which MPs they hope to see popping up on reality TV after the election. Email Beth, Ruth, and Margaret at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. If you missed the The Battle for Number 10: A Sky Leader’s Special, you can catch up here: https://news.sky.com/video/the-battle-for-number-10-a-sky-news-leaders-special-13152233

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Sky’s Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson to talk about the latest developments in the general election campaign. On this episode, they discuss whether Rishi Sunak can recover from his D-Day blunder, the fallout from Douglas Ross’s resignation as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and how the parties are funding their manifestos as they are revealed this week. Plus, Beth tells us how she is preparing to interview the prime minister and Sir Keir Starmer at the upcoming Sky Leaders’ Event. Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Labour grandee Harriet Harman joins Beth Rigby and Ruth Davidson as the first Friday sub for Jess Philips during the election period. They break down the Labour tax row that has dogged both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer since the first leaders’ debate earlier this week, give their take on the impact Nigel Farage standing in Clacton-on-Sea will have on the campaign, and lift the curtain on how the parties will be writing their manifestos. Plus, Harriet reveals a surprise ally from her time in the Commons. Email Beth, Ruth, and Harriet at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Beth Rigby and Ruth Davidson as the regular Tuesday sub for Jess Philips during the election period. On this episode, they talk about how leaders will be preparing for TV debates - Beth's hosted one, Ayesha has worked with politicians doing them, and Ruth has stood behind a lectern several times herself. They discuss what Rishi Sunak might try to land as he tries to close the gap in the opinion polls. Plus, has there been a "purge" of the left in Labour as Starmer thinks about what his benches will look like if he becomes prime minister. Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

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

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

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