Electoral Dysfunction

Will women get a seat at Andy Burnham’s table?

Female Labour MPs are demanding equal power and influence in Andy Burnham’s new government or face a major revolt.

Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election?

Andy Burnham faces a legitimacy crisis and political turmoil as he prepares to lead Labour without a public mandate.

Keir Starmer resigns. What’s next?

Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister, paving the way for Andy Burnham to potentially take his place.

‘Andy Burnham is going to be Prime Minister’

Labour is in turmoil as MPs rally behind Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer following a seismic by-election win.

Introducing our first members' episode

Jess Phillips returns to reveal the truth behind government social media bans and Keir Starmer’s recent shifts.

More resignations for Keir Starmer: can it get any worse?

The defense secretary’s resignation has left Keir Starmer’s premiership looking increasingly unstable and adrift.

Is Nigel Farage exploiting Henry Nowak’s murder?

Nigel Farage faces backlash for politicizing Henry Novak’s murder as leaders debate the reality of two-tier policing.

Andy Burnham on Britain’s future... and his own

Andy Burnham makes his pitch for profound national change and a return to Westminster politics.

Why the UK isn’t ungovernable – yet

Britain is not ungovernable, but persistent external shocks and a toxic media cycle make the job harder than ever.

Who is regulating reality TV? Lessons from MAFS UK

The reality TV industry faces scrutiny as MPs investigate shocking allegations from Married at First Sight UK.

Jess Phillips: Starmer Doesn’t Listen

Jess Phillips explains why she quit, arguing Starmer lacks the drive to deliver change and struggles to truly listen.

EXTRA - Are these Keir Starmer’s final days as Prime Minister?

Keir Starmer faces a terminal crisis as ministerial resignations and mounting MP rebellions threaten his premiership.

Local elections: Reform up, Labour down, Starmer out?

Seismic local election results deliver a crushing blow to Labour and the Tories as Reform and the Greens surge.

Can Keir Starmer risk a reshuffle?

With his authority waning and local elections looming, Keir Starmer faces a high-stakes gamble on a potential reshuffle.

Keir Starmer: 'I beat myself up' about Mandelson

In this episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Beth Rigby secures an exclusive interview with Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit to a leaders' summit in Helsinki. The conversation offers a candid look at the Prime Minister's internal reflections, as Starmer admits to feeling deep regret over the appointment of Peter Mandelson, confessing that he dwells on the mistake and beats himself up over it. Beyond personnel matters, the discussion shifts to foreign policy as Starmer addresses his evolving relationship with Donald Trump following recent tensions regarding the war in Iran. Following the interview, the panel consisting of Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, and Ruth Davidson convenes to analyze the Prime Minister's comments. Listeners can expect a thorough breakdown of Starmer's current political challenges and an insightful debate regarding the implications of his latest public remarks.

EXCLUSIVE: Keir Starmer on his special relationship with Trump

Keir Starmer addresses his strained relationship with Trump and the pressure to join the war in Iran.

Could Angela Rayner’s comeback rescue Labour?

In this episode of Electoral Dysfunction, the hosts analyze Angela Rayner’s return to the political spotlight and her recent controversial comments regarding the government’s progress and immigration policy. The discussion explores whether her blunt critiques are a necessary reality check for the Labour Party or a damaging distraction ahead of the upcoming May elections. Beyond Rayner’s intervention, the team examines the latest developments surrounding her tax affairs and turns their attention to Scotland. Beth Rigby shares insights from a recent conversation with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, addressing his current stance on Keir Starmer’s leadership. The episode also tackles pressing economic concerns, specifically questioning how the government should respond to rising energy costs influenced by international conflicts and whether the country possesses the fiscal capacity to provide further support. Listeners can expect a lively debate on the internal pressures currently shaping British politics.

Why the Mandelson files matter for Starmer's future

In this episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman examine the mounting political crisis surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador. The hosts analyze the initial batch of released documents to determine how much Starmer knew about Mandelson’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and why the vetting process appeared so hurried. Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of developed vetting and the escalating risks this controversy poses to the government’s credibility. Additionally, the panel shifts to a powerful moment in Parliament, where Labour MPs Charlotte Nichols and Natalie Fleet share their personal experiences as victims of sexual violence. The discussion explores how these testimonies influence the government’s proposed legal reforms and what the potential changes could mean for the judicial system, jury trials, and the ongoing challenge of the court backlog.

Has Starmer got it right over his Iran War response?

In this episode of Electoral Dysfunction, hosts Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman analyze Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and his strained diplomatic relations with Donald Trump. The discussion centers on whether Starmer’s calculated approach protects British interests or suggests a lack of decisive leadership on the international stage. Ruth Davidson argues that a more aggressive stance toward Iran was necessary following attacks on British bases, while Harriet Harman highlights how the historical shadow of the Iraq War continues to influence Labour’s cautious foreign policy. Additionally, the hosts examine insights from leaked National Security Meeting details to assess what the Prime Minister’s decision-making process reveals about his leadership style. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the political ramifications of these global events and their long-term impact on Starmer’s premiership.

Did the Greens just deliver a knockout blow for Keir Starmer?

In this episode of Electoral Dysfunction, hosts Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman analyze the shocking results of the Gorton and Denton by-election, which saw the Green Party claim victory and leave Labour in a disappointing third place. The panel debates whether this unexpected outcome serves as a bellwether for the upcoming May elections and questions if the Green Party has officially emerged as a serious threat to the government. They also examine the current standing of Reform, exploring whether that party has reached a plateau in its voter support. Shifting gears to international and legal headlines, the trio discusses the recent arrest of Lord Mandelson, covering the details of the case and his firm commitment to clearing his name. Listeners can expect a sharp, insightful breakdown of these shifting political dynamics and their broader implications for the UK political landscape.