Episodes

  • Was this the week the election campaign really started?

    Was this the week the election campaign really started?
    May 17 2024
    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.
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    41 mins
  • 'A punch in the gut': The defection of Natalie Elphicke

    'A punch in the gut': The defection of Natalie Elphicke
    May 10 2024
    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.
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    34 mins
  • Elections debrief: Sunak survives? Starmer solid?

    Elections debrief: Sunak survives? Starmer solid?
    May 3 2024
    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.
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    45 mins
  • A reset week for Rishi but what will the local elections bring?

    A reset week for Rishi but what will the local elections bring?
    Apr 26 2024
    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.
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    49 mins
  • The Mark Menzies claims. And what makes a good foreign secretary?

    The Mark Menzies claims. And what makes a good foreign secretary?
    Apr 19 2024
    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.
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    39 mins
  • The Grindr honeytrap fallout - and do Labour poll leads do them more harm than good?

    The Grindr honeytrap fallout - and do Labour poll leads do them more harm than good?
    Apr 12 2024
    As the fall-out from the Westminster honeytrap scandal continues to unravel, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson explain why contacts are so valuable in Parliament and ask what William Wragg’s resignation tells us about Rishi Sunak’s leadership.

    And, with Labour riding hight after two major polls predicted landslide victories at the upcoming election, should Keir Starmer be worried about voter complacency?

    Plus, Beth, Ruth and Jess talk about the impact of Dr Hilary Cass’ review into gender identity services for under-18s in England.

    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 strong language.

    We recorded this episode before Greater Manchester Police said it'd invesitgate claims that Angela Rayner may have broken electoral law over she information she gave a decade ago.
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    42 mins
  • "Answer The Question!" - PMQs, Parliament tea, and the online election

    "Answer The Question!" - PMQs, Parliament tea, and the online election
    Apr 5 2024
    Why do politicians never answer the question?’ It’s something Beth Rigby, Jess Philips and Ruth Davidson get asked all the time; so, this week they’ve dedicate the whole episode to answering your questions.

    From why back-benchers ask seemingly pointless questions at PMQs, to the importance of Instagram for the next general election, and where to get the best cup of tea in Westminster, Ruth, Jess and Beth have got it covered.

    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 strong language.
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    28 mins
  • Where do royalty and politics meet?

    Where do royalty and politics meet?
    Mar 28 2024
    While the Royal family have faced a challenging few weeks, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips, and Ruth Davidson explore the points where royalty and politics meet, and what the family will say publicly about the state of cancer care following the King and the Princess of Wales' diagnoses.

    Plus, is deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden someone likely to be feeling on top this week after calling out China-backed cyber-attacks and announcing sanctions against two individuals and a company? Beth, Jess, and Ruth discuss the extent of the Chinese threat.

    And they go through more of your messages and 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.

    Warning: some explicit language.
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    39 mins