Electoral Dysfunction

As Sir Keir Starmer sets out the six 'milestones' his government wants to hit before the next general election, Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss if leaving immigration off the list was a wise move for the PM.  Plus, as middle-class women of a certain age, they have some thoughts on the allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace.   Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.  Sky News has contacted representatives for Gregg Wallace for comment on the allegations against him. His lawyers say it is "entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature". A BBC spokesperson said any issues raised are taken seriously and there are "robust processes in place" to deal with them.They added: "We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated," Banijay UK, the Masterchef production company, has appointed a law firm to lead its investigation, It said the company takes complaints "incredibly seriously" but will not comment on individual allegations while the investigation is ongoing. 

As well as this week’s usual episode, Beth, Ruth and Harriet decompress after a busy Friday in Westminster.      The Assisted Dying Bill, which allows adults who are terminally ill to be provided with assistance to end their own lives, has passed through parliament. Ruth and Harriet react to the historic vote.     Plus, a cabinet minister has resigned after a "mistake" revealed by Sky News, less than five months into government. What does it mean for Keir Starmer  👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈      Email Beth, Ruth and Harriet at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   

Does Kemi Badenoch need to work harder to get the public to understand what she’s about and what she stands for? Ruth’s got some advice for the new Conservative leader after her first few weeks in the job.  After a run of wins in local council seats, we ask if Labour and the Conservatives need to be more worried about Nigel Farage and Reform.   And, if you listen to this podcast sped up, things are going to get even faster at the start of the episode!   Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.    

In the week farmers descended on Westminster, Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask just how difficult these protests are for the government. They question whether the chancellor could roll back on her budget commitment to scrap the inheritance tax relief for agricultural property worth over £1m and whether Labour can afford to lose the rural vote. Also, as Labour's Scottish leader Anas Sarwar distances himself from the government over winter fuel payments, Beth, Ruth and Harriet explore what the prime minister stands for as he grapples with huge domestic rows while meeting world leaders abroad at the G20 Summit.They also reflect on the life of John Prescott – the longest serving deputy leader of the Labour party and Harriet's old colleague.  Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.You can read this explainer for more on the farmers' protest and the row over inheritance tax.