Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election?

Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election?

Author: Sky News June 26, 2026 Duration: 49:15

Andy Burnham is closing in on Downing Street as Nigel Farage endures a tricky political week. But does Burnham actually have a mandate to be Prime Minister? Or should we have a general election?

Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman give their takes on what Burnham's first 100 Days could look like and who might be in his cabinet, including the all-important role of chancellor. Harriet says one of her picks for the job has to prove his credibility.

And with more scrutiny on Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne – how is Farage reacting?

Farage has said he is "absolutely convinced I've done nothing wrong in any way at all" and he has "taken zero in personal expenses" since being elected in July 2024

"I'm very careful and very cautious about these things," he said. "I believe it to be a wholly private matter, the standards commissioner may take a different view."

To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction

Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.

Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.


Three formidable figures from the heart of British politics-Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman-sit down together each week for a conversation that cuts through the noise. This isn't a staged debate, but a frank, often surprising look behind the curtain of power. In Electoral Dysfunction, brought to you by Sky News, they apply their combined decades of frontline experience to dissect the real motives, the unspoken strategies, and the personal ambitions driving the headlines. You’ll hear them parse the language of politicians, questioning not just what is said but the meaning lurking between the lines. The core of this podcast is its unique dynamic: a blend of insider insight from across the political spectrum that identifies who is gaining ground and who, truly, is struggling with their own electoral dysfunction. It’s a masterclass in understanding the mechanics of politics, from policy to personality. Each episode feels like you’re eavesdropping on a private, knowledgeable discussion that makes sense of the week’s events in Westminster and across the country, offering clarity where there is often only confusion. For anyone trying to navigate the complexities of modern political life, this series provides an essential and deeply informed perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Electoral Dysfunction
Podcast Episodes
Is the government doing anything to stop AI killing us all? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:49
The government needs to step up and properly regulate AI - that’s what Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the podcast - saying we can expect to hear more about it soon.She’s on the podcast this week talking to Beth after…
Why did Andy Burnham choose Israel for his biggest moment yet? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:56
Ed Milliband made a bold statement in the Commons this week - UK government sanctions on Israeli settlements. But is there more to the timing of this?Harriet makes the case for why it's principled rather than political,…
What changes if Zack Polanski is an MP? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:28
Could Zack Polanski win in the St Pancras and Holborn by-election – and how crushing would a loss be to the Green Party’s momentum?Harriet Harman, Ruth Davidson and Beth Rigby discuss – and mull over whether the whole th…
What does Nigel Farage’s win in Clacton actually prove? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:29
Nigel Farage is an MP once again as he was victorious in the Clacton by-election, winning 63% of the vote and overcoming his main competitor - Count Binface.But has the vote left us with more questions than answers? And…
'I hated it': Jess Phillips on life inside Keir Starmer's government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:09
Hear from Jess Phillips regularly on our Tuesday members episode, subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunctionJess Phillips joins Beth Rigby to reflect on her time as a minister under Keir Starmer.And she asks w…
‘Intensely unpopular’: Was Keir Starmer doomed from the start? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:31
Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman dive into what went wrong for Sir Keir Starmer – and why the public turned against him so quickly.And Harriet asks if the Labour party might, in retrospect, have been able to ride out those…
Is the Burnham government starting to feel like The Traitors? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:00
In appointing his new cabinet Andy Burnham has removed many of Keir Starmer's faithfuls, including previously key figures like Rachel Reeves and Darren Jones.And critics feel 'traitors' who had tried to destabilise the r…
Did a "difficult woman" upset Andy Burnham's cabinet plans? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:11
We didn't get details of Andy Burnham's top team until most people had gone to bed... so why did it take so long?Beth, Jess, Harriet and Ruth discuss whether some ministers negotiated for different jobs – and whether nob…