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Electoral Dysfunction

Is this the election that makes Nigel Farage unstoppable?

4/17/202650 min

Are voters about to hand Nigel Farage his biggest win yet? Reform are polling in second place in Scotland, and while Farage’s party might not win in May, could the result change politics in the UK as we know it?

This podcast was recorded on Thursday morning before the news that Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting.

Beth, Ruth and Harriet dive into what’s really driving this moment for Reform and whether it’s a protest vote against Scottish independence or something more permanent. And Beth reports back on her trip north of the border with Farage this week, which is part of a series of interviews she is conducting with all the leaders.

Plus, pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common is back with a focus group of voters to help us understand what could happen across the board in the May elections and what it means for Labour, the Conservatives, and the future of two-party politics.

For a list of all candidates standing in your area, check the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information

Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk

Clips

Voters choosing anyone but Reform
The 'shy Reform' phenomenon
Why Scots are flirting with Reform
A glimmer for Starmer
Tories can’t scold voters
Labour’s Green dilemma

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds

  1. Harriet Harman· Host0:00

    [upbeat music] Sky News, the full story first.

  2. Speaker 10:05

    [upbeat music] I don't think they'll ever get in power, ever.

  3. Speaker 20:16

    [upbeat music] Oh, he's a bit of a weak one, isn't he? He's not gonna last an X or X, isn't he? Let's be honest.

  4. Speaker 30:25

    [upbeat music] So I know it's not The X Factor [laughs] but you've really got to have that likable sense as a person.

  5. Beth Rigby· Host0:35

    [upbeat music] Hello, and welcome to Electoral Dysfunction with me, Beth Rigby.

  6. Ruth Davidson· Host0:44

    Me, Ruth Davidson.

  7. Beth Rigby· Host0:46

    And me, Harriet Harman.

  8. Ruth Davidson· Host0:47

    I have to say, it's fantastic to have you back, Beth. I mean, Harriet and I tried to hold the fort by ourselves, but, uh, it is always nice to have the Three Musket-hounds back to base.

  9. Beth Rigby· Host0:56

    I have to say, a- as someone that actually knows quite a bit about Kanye West because I- [laughs] ... have actually really loved his music for quite a few years, I've really enjoyed you talking about K- [laughs] I really enjoyed listening to you two talking about Kanye West. It was absolutely superb.

  10. Ruth Davidson· Host1:12

    I mean, I've never felt like a more out of touch Tory baroness- [laughs] It's so good ... than saying, "Oh, let's talk about this popular rapper." [laughs] [laughs] I mean, never have I felt less qualified- It was great ... to talk about a subject in my life- It, it- I have to say [laughs] It was great, but it's very nice.

  11. Beth Rigby· Host1:26

    It's very nice to be back, and I'm very rested.

  12. Ruth Davidson· Host1:29

    But

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