Do you accept defeat in the middle of a campaign?

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson as the general election campaign heads towards its final fortnight.   They're assessing whether Labour can shake off the questions about its taxation policies.   As Conservative Grant Shapps seemed to accept election defeat in an interview, is that something anyone should do in the middle of the campaign?   They discuss the "what ifs" of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as he tries to become an MP.   And as the SNP launch their manifesto, how is the election shaping up differently in Scotland?   Plus, Beth, Ruth and Ayesha tackle listeners' questions on manifesto promises and Reform UK’s unusual set-up.   Email Beth, Ruth, and Margaret at [email protected], post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.   In this episode, we mention the Clacton-on-Sea constituency, the full list of candidates are:     Bensilum, Matthew (Liberal Democrats)   Farage, Nigel Paul (Reform UK)   Jamieson, Craig (Climate Party)   Mack, Tony (Independent)   Osben, Natasha (Green Party)   Owusu-Nepaul, Jovan (Labour Party)   Papanastasiou, Tasos (Heritage Party)   Pemberton, Andrew (UKIP – NO to Illegal Immigration)   Watling, Giles Francis (Conservative Party)