Electoral Dysfunction

The prime minister has resigned after less than two years in Downing Street.In this extra episode, Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman react to a dramatic morning in Westminster and ask the question now hanging over Labour: has the party failed, or is this the reset it desperately needed? And could Andy Burnham be the answer?Beth takes listeners inside the final hours of Starmer's premiership, from cabinet pressure to the emotional resignation speech on the steps of Number 10.Harriet reflects on Sir Keir’s legacy and why Labour MPs decided he couldn’t lead them into the next election. And did Nigel Farage play a part in Starmer’s departure?With Andy Burnham now the overwhelming favourite to succeed him, they also discuss what happens next, whether Labour is heading for a coronation rather than a contest, and if Burnham can succeed where Starmer could not.We’ll be back tomorrow for our Sky News Insider subscribers - find out how to subscribe here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunctionGot a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.

Find out how to subscribe to our members' club, Sky News Insider, here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunctionBeth Rigby, Harriet Harman, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson are back early this week with details of the first ever Electoral Dysfunction members’ only episode. To listen to the full podcast, follow the link above for all the information.In her first podcast back with the ED gang since quitting the government, Jess lifts the lid on what went on behind the scenes in the lead up to Starmer’s social media ban for under 16s, and explains why she thinks it took so long to get over the line.Plus, expect extra wittering on from the four hosts for one time only. In future Tuesday episodes, Jess and Harriet will be alternating alongside Beth and Ruth.Our Friday episodes will be just the same - in all the usual places as you get them now, with Beth, Ruth and Harriet.We’re still always checking the burner phone, so if you have a question WhatsApp us on 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.For 33% off your first annual subscription, use the code DYSFUNCTION33Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription, and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over.

Andrew – formerly known as Prince – was arrested whilst Harriet and Ruth were in the middle of answering your questions from the Burner Phone for a half term special whilst Beth is away during political recess on her holidays.So in this episode, they react to the extraordinary news that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested (and later released under investigation) on suspicion of misconduct in public office and discuss what it means for the rule of law.Later, they tackle questions on the government's latest U-turn over postponed local elections, and whether Reform UK is facing proper scrutiny over the Equality Act.Plus, as Keir Starmer appoints the first woman head of the civil service, they ask why female public figures still face misogyny.And with major Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms expected next week, Harriet and Ruth hear from parents who fear change could make a broken system worse, not better.Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.Responding to Harriet's comments about Reform, a Reform UK spokesman said: "Unlike Harriet, we don't need a pink bus to attract women to our party."Reform has high-profile women throughout our cabinet and senior women in our party staff, unlike Starmer."And on the Equality Act, the spokesman added: "Reform UK remains committed to supporting workplace protections against discrimination. No one should be treated unfairly because of their sex, race, if they are pregnant or have a disability."That's why we will introduce a new 'Workplace Fairness Act' to replace the Equality Act and ensure workplace protections are maintained whilst also re-asserting the rights of individuals rather than groups under the law."The Equality Act has been damaging to our economy, our society, and the way government works. It has unleashed the burdensome and unfair DEI culture that plagues workspaces and has enforced discrimination and equality of outcome."This has led to the unacceptable situation of unfair recruitment policies, positive discrimination and anti-white working-class bias, pitting different groups against each other and dividing our country."Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.And if you didn't know, you can also watch Beth, Ruth and Harriet on YouTube.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting speaks exclusively to Beth as pressure on the Prime Minister to resign continues to rise.Streeting tells Beth that people should “give Keir a chance” after he claimed it “has not been the best week for the government”, and recognises there is a “febrile” atmosphere.It comes after a weekend of briefing around how Wes Streeting is connected to Peter Mandelson over the weekend – and in this podcast, Wes Streeting exclusively reveals his Whatsapp messages with Beth, over the period that Mandelson was ambassador in Washington.But is he at risk of suffering from ‘revisionism’? Harriet thinks commentators need to be careful when remembering what went on with Peter Mandelson.Plus – how much weight does Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar’s comments have? He's called on Starmer to resign today, saying that “the situation in Downing Street is not good enough”.We’ll be back on Friday with our usual weekly episode.