Electoral Dysfunction

Former Conservative cabinet ministers Penny Mordaunt and Gillian Keegan join Beth, Ruth and Harriet in the studio to take us behind the scenes of the final days of the last government. For their final podcasts of 2024, Beth and Ruth ask how the Conservatives fell from power and they get the inside track on Labour's election campaign from Harriet. In Part 1, Penny and Gillian look back at the low mood in the party at the end of 2023, going into the election year.What led Rishi Sunak to call the election early? And just how bad was it to have a front seat to the dysfunction? Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   

Beth, Harriet, and Ruth with their first Christmas episodes - answering your emails and voice notes.   From how to modernise the House of Lords, to what the fall of the Assad regime in Syria means for women.   And, who hosts the best Christmas party in Westminster?   Email us at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.      

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.