Electoral Dysfunction

'A bloodsport': Were journalists to blame for Keir Starmer’s downfall?

August 28, 2026·43 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Do lobby journalists bear some responsibility for the collapse of the Starmer Government – or was it down to poor polling and a loss of authority?Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman discuss whether the chaos around Keir Starmer turned into “a game” for the media - and unpack what it’s like to cover a Prime Minister’s last days in office.Plus – the panel answer more of your questions, including what Kemi Badenoch can do to rebuild the Tory party’s electoral chances.This episode was recorded in June.You can read Michael Savage’s piece in The Guardian here.To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes, and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at 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.

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