Could Angela Rayner’s comeback rescue Labour?

Could Angela Rayner’s comeback rescue Labour?

Author: Sky News March 20, 2026 Duration: 53:36

Angela Rayner has stepped back in the spotlight this week and straight into controversy.

Her blunt intervention - warning the government is running out of time, criticising its record on “change” and calling parts of Labour’s immigration policy “un-British” - has sparked a big question: is Rayner simply saying what others are thinking, or going too far?

Harriet certainly thinks it’s a bit much. She says Rayner’s approach could be undermining the government at a critical moment just weeks out from the May elections. Beth says Rayner's tax affairs could be sorted sooner than a lot of people thought.

On the elections, Beth has been in Scotland speaking to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Does he still think Starmer should resign?

Plus, what support should the government be offering to help with rising energy costs because of the war in Iran? And can we even afford it as a country?

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

And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.


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: 100

Electoral Dysfunction
Podcast Episodes
Conservatives v Reform: Battle for the Right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:50
Nigel Farage's Reform won more than 40% of seats at May's council elections. The Conservatives lost control of 16 English councils and won 20% of seats - one of the lowest proportions in the past two decades. How do the…
Is Corbyn’s comeback a headache for Starmer - or a red herring? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:34
Jeremy Corbyn's back - with Zarah Sultana and a new party. But is it a real threat to Labour, or just political theatre? This week Beth, Ruth and Harriet answer your questions on whether Corbyn's comeback could fracture…
What happened when I quit the government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:11
Anneliese Dodds sits down with Beth Rigby for her first long-form interview since stepping down from Labour's front bench.Reflecting on the party's first year in power, the former International Development Minister and W…
Is the government preparing for a summer of riots? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
Summer is here and the government is worrying about riots on the streets. In their final episode of this political term, Beth, Ruth and Harriet unpack No 10's briefing this week that Angela Rayner has warned about the ri…
The '£7 billion' government secret [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:37
Who knew what about the Afghan data leak? And could anyone in parliament have done more to help scrutinise the government at the time of the superinjunction? Harriet thinks so. So in this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet…
Is migration helping or hurting the UK? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:07
There's a new plan for deterring migrants from crossing the channel and coming to the UK - but will it actually work? This week, Beth, Ruth and Harriet have a deep dive into one of the most divisive and defining politica…
Is Labour losing Wales to Reform? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:33
Could Reform UK get their first taste of government next year? They're the biggest party for Welsh voters, according to exclusive polling from More in Common ahead of the Senedd elections next year. But what does this me…
Did Keir Starmer screw up his own anniversary? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
Happy 1st anniversary, Keir Starmer. He wanted to be talking about what he sees as Labour’s achievements after 12 months in goverment and his 10-year plan for the NHS. But, after another dramatic policy U-turn and the si…
What will Keir Starmer learn from the Labour welfare chaos? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:47
It sounds like concessions are being offered to the dozens of Labour MPs who had threatened to rebel over the government’s planned welfare cuts. On this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet went over the possible options for…
Why won't Starmer call out Trump? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:34
Days after Keir Starmer told Beth that a US strike on Iran wasn’t imminent, Trump ordered US bunker busters to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities. But the UK’s position on the attacks are unclear. The focus is not on what th…