Episodes

  • Interviewing the PM and loving PMQs – with Rylan

    Interviewing the PM and loving PMQs – with Rylan
    Jun 28 2024
    For the final call-up from Jess’ subs bench, Beth and Ruth get their first male co-host – Rylan!

    The self-confessed politics junkie explains where his interest comes from, why he always keeps Wednesday free for PMQs – and his own experience of interviewing the Prime Minister.

    Plus, he explains how his own experience in the public eye could help new MPs.

    And there’s an update on Ruth’s campaign letterbox injury.

    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

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    32 mins
  • Does the prime minister's partner have to have a role?

    Does the prime minister's partner have to have a role?
    Jun 25 2024
    Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika is back with Beth and Ruth as the election campaign moves towards its final week.

    On this episode they answer listener questions about Nigel Farage - after the Reform UK leader suggested the West provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while insisting he was not an "apologist or supporter of Putin" - and more on Priti Patel's chances of becoming leader of the Conservative Party.

    They also discuss the role of Sir Keir Starmer's wife Victoria in the Labour campaign and what her role might be if Labour form the next government.

    Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.
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    44 mins
  • What are the odds a betting scandal sinks the Tories?

    What are the odds a betting scandal sinks the Tories?
    Jun 21 2024
    Presenter turned political campaigner Carol Vorderman joins Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson as the general election campaign enters its final fortnight.

    Jess has chosen Carol for her subs bench this time because of the campaigning she now does on social media.

    They assess the damage accusations people close to the PM placed bets on the election date, could have on the Conservative campaign.

    Plus, Beth, Ruth and Carol talk about why some listeners are seeing no campaigning on their doorstep, while others can’t escape the leaflets.

    Email Beth, Ruth, and Carol at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

    In this episode we mention the constituency of Bristol North West, the full list of candidates are:

    • Caroline Gooch (Liberal Democrats)
    • Darren Jones (Labour Party)
    • Scarlett O'Connor (Reform UK)
    • Mary Page (Green Party)
    • Laura Saunders (Conservative and Unionist Party)
    • Ben Smith (Social Democratic Party)
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    33 mins
  • Do you accept defeat in the middle of a campaign?

    Do you accept defeat in the middle of a campaign?
    Jun 18 2024
    Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson as the general election campaign heads towards its final fortnight.

    They're assessing whether Labour can shake off the questions about its taxation policies.

    As Conservative Grant Shapps seemed to accept election defeat in an interview, is that something anyone should do in the middle of the campaign?

    They discuss the "what ifs" of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as he tries to become an MP.

    And as the SNP launch their manifesto, how is the election shaping up differently in Scotland?

    Plus, Beth, Ruth and Ayesha tackle listeners' questions on manifesto promises and Reform UK’s unusual set-up.

    Email Beth, Ruth, and Margaret at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

    In this episode, we mention the Clacton-on-Sea constituency, the full list of candidates are:

    Bensilum, Matthew (Liberal Democrats)

    Farage, Nigel Paul (Reform UK)

    Jamieson, Craig (Climate Party)

    Mack, Tony (Independent)

    Osben, Natasha (Green Party)

    Owusu-Nepaul, Jovan (Labour Party)

    Papanastasiou, Tasos (Heritage Party)

    Pemberton, Andrew (UKIP – NO to Illegal Immigration)

    Watling, Giles Francis (Conservative Party)
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    38 mins
  • Behind the scenes of The Battle for Number 10

    Behind the scenes of The Battle for Number 10
    Jun 14 2024
    Former Labour MP Margaret Hodge joins Sky's Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson to talk about the latest developments in the general election campaign.

    On this episode, Beth takes us behind the scenes of Sky's leaders' event in Grimsby, where Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak faced not just Beth, but an audience of voters on their plan for the country. Ruth and Margaret give their take on how the two men did, and they also react to Labour's 'no surprises' manifesto launch.

    Plus, the trio answer listeners' questions - including which MPs they hope to see popping up on reality TV after the election.

    Email Beth, Ruth, and Margaret at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

    If you missed the The Battle for Number 10: A Sky Leader’s Special, you can catch up here: https://news.sky.com/video/the-battle-for-number-10-a-sky-news-leaders-special-13152233
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    46 mins
  • How do you recover from a political car crash?

    How do you recover from a political car crash?
    Jun 11 2024
    Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Sky’s Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson to talk about the latest developments in the general election campaign.

    On this episode, they discuss whether Rishi Sunak can recover from his D-Day blunder, the fallout from Douglas Ross’s resignation as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and how the parties are funding their manifestos as they are revealed this week.

    Plus, Beth tells us how she is preparing to interview the prime minister and Sir Keir Starmer at the upcoming Sky Leaders’ Event.

    Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.
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    45 mins
  • What could be in the party manifestos?

    What could be in the party manifestos?
    Jun 7 2024
    Labour grandee Harriet Harman joins Beth Rigby and Ruth Davidson as the first Friday sub for Jess Philips during the election period.

    They break down the Labour tax row that has dogged both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer since the first leaders’ debate earlier this week, give their take on the impact Nigel Farage standing in Clacton-on-Sea will have on the campaign, and lift the curtain on how the parties will be writing their manifestos.

    Plus, Harriet reveals a surprise ally from her time in the Commons.

    Email Beth, Ruth, and Harriet at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.
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    45 mins
  • How do leaders prepare for TV election debates?

    How do leaders prepare for TV election debates?
    Jun 4 2024
    Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Beth Rigby and Ruth Davidson as the regular Tuesday sub for Jess Philips during the election period.

    On this episode, they talk about how leaders will be preparing for TV debates - Beth's hosted one, Ayesha has worked with politicians doing them, and Ruth has stood behind a lectern several times herself.

    They discuss what Rishi Sunak might try to land as he tries to close the gap in the opinion polls.
    Plus, has there been a "purge" of the left in Labour as Starmer thinks about what his benches will look like if he becomes prime minister.

    Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.
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    44 mins