Is this the election that makes Nigel Farage unstoppable?

Is this the election that makes Nigel Farage unstoppable?

Author: Sky News April 17, 2026 Duration: 50:13

Are voters about to hand Nigel Farage his biggest win yet? Reform are polling in second place in Scotland, and while Farage’s party might not win in May, could the result change politics in the UK as we know it?

This podcast was recorded on Thursday morning before the news that Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting.

Beth, Ruth and Harriet dive into what’s really driving this moment for Reform and whether it’s a protest vote against Scottish independence or something more permanent. And Beth reports back on her trip north of the border with Farage this week, which is part of a series of interviews she is conducting with all the leaders.

Plus, pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common is back with a focus group of voters to help us understand what could happen across the board in the May elections and what it means for Labour, the Conservatives, and the future of two-party politics.

For a list of all candidates standing in your area, check the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information

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


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…