Introducing our first members' episode

Introducing our first members' episode

Author: Sky News June 16, 2026 Duration: 3:21

Find out how to subscribe to our members' club, Sky News Insider, here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction

Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson are back early this week with details of the first ever Electoral Dysfunction members’ only episode. To listen to the full podcast, follow the link above for all the information.

In her first podcast back with the ED gang since quitting the government, Jess lifts the lid on what went on behind the scenes in the lead up to Starmer’s social media ban for under 16s, and explains why she thinks it took so long to get over the line.

Plus, expect extra wittering on from the four hosts for one time only. In future Tuesday episodes, Jess and Harriet will be alternating alongside Beth and Ruth.

Our Friday episodes will be just the same - in all the usual places as you get them now, with Beth, Ruth and Harriet.

We’re still always checking the burner phone, so if you have a question WhatsApp us on 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.

For 33% off your first annual subscription, use the code DYSFUNCTION33

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: 100

Electoral Dysfunction
Podcast Episodes
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…
Has Starmer done Burnham any favours? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:41
We're in a transition as Andy Burnham becomes Labour leader three days before he becomes Prime Minister.In Ukraine, Beth Rigby asks the outgoing PM, Keir Starmer, about why he chose to see President Zelenskyy on his fina…
Could Farage's by-election plan backfire? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:08
Rachel Reeves says if Nigel Farage wants to "spend the summer arguing with a bin" then that's up to him.The Reform leader triggered a by-election by resigning this week. He is standing again to fight for the seat. Count…
Will women get a seat at Andy Burnham’s table? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:56
The New Labour band might be getting back together around Burnham’s cabinet table. Good for nostalgia, but the women have other thoughts if there are set to be two Milibands in the great offices of state and no women.Thi…
Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
Keir Starmer resigns. What’s next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:12
The prime minister has resigned after less than two years in Downing Street.In this extra episode, Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman react to a dramatic morning in Westminster and ask the question now hanging over Labour: ha…
‘Andy Burnham is going to be Prime Minister’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:38
Andy Burnham is coming back to Westminster – is he about to become prime minister? And could Sir Keir Starmer be in denial?After a stunning victory in the Makerfield by-election, Burnham has gone from mayor of Greater Ma…
More resignations for Keir Starmer: can it get any worse? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:41
As we sat down to get voters’ verdicts on the prime minister in Makerfield, he suffered yet another massive headache – his Defence Secretary, John Healey, resigned. And a few hours later, two more resignations. How weak…
Is Nigel Farage exploiting Henry Nowak’s murder? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:42
"Pure cold rage": Will Nigel Farage regret his intervention over the murder of Henry Nowak?Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss whether Farage is pandering to the far right, or if he has a point about "two-tier policing" in Br…