Episodes

  • 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
  • Extra ED: Beth interviews Angela Rayner

    Extra ED: Beth interviews Angela Rayner
    May 31 2024
    Beth sits down with the deputy Labour leader, Angela Rayner to talk in detail about the investigation into the sale of her ex-council house and the impact it had on her and her family.

    They also discuss the row over Diane Abbott and accusations of a purge of Labour’s left. Plus, Angela invites Beth aboard her battle bus as her election campaigning starts to ramp up.


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


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    23 mins
  • Will Diane Abbott stand for Labour? And pets named after politicians.

    Will Diane Abbott stand for Labour? And pets named after politicians.
    May 29 2024
    This week, Beth gets Ruth and Jess's take on what's happening now that Diane Abbott has had the Labour whip restored. The WhatsApps from Beth’s sources keep coming as they're recording.

    They discuss the strategies behind the Sunak and Starmer campaigns – with one going for headline-grabbing pledges and the other spending the first week focusing on the personal rather than policy.

    There's news from Jess on her plans for the campaign – and she met a dog named after Ted Heath when she was out door-knocking, so that takes us in only one direction.

    Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth 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
  • 'It's on - what will the 2024 election be like?'

    'It's on - what will the 2024 election be like?'
    May 23 2024

    With Westminster still reeling from the prime minister's decision to call a general election on the 4 July, Beth, Jess and Ruth lift the curtain on what was going on in parliament as rumours started to swirl.

    Who decided to call an election now? Why did Rishi Sunak not have an umbrella? And what kind of campaign will the parties run over the next six weeks?

    Plus, a listener wants to know if her MP will still be working on her case during the election campaign.

    Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.
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    43 mins
  • Was this the week the election campaign really started?

    Was this the week the election campaign really started?
    May 17 2024
    After the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer set out what Labour would do if it wins the election, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson discuss the six key policies that have been unveiled.
    They also talk about the major speech made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the beginning of the week and debate whether the election campaign has really started.

    Plus, it's been a politically good week for Jess Phillips after her amendment to a bill on banning arrested MPs from Parliament was passed by one vote.

    And there is a listener email about Swiss food.

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