A Deal With the Devil? Murdoch and New Labour (Part 2)
What was the nature of Rupert Murdoch's relationship with Margaret Thatcher? What led to News Corp's near-collapse in the late 1980s, and how did the company recover? Why and how did Tony Bla... Continue
writer, podcaster,
communicator, strategist
Latest
459. Question Time: Reform’s Potential Upside, Why Bad News Sells & Reasons To Stay Hopeful
Who’s offering hope in politics today? Where are the real environmental success stories? And what one law would Rory and Alastair make a reality? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Why Trump should never be given the Nobel peace prize
Peace is not just about bombs falling silent, but the humanity that goes into maintaining it... Continue
458. Can Trump’s Peace Deal Actually Work?
Has Trump really brought a “new dawn” to the Middle East? How can one of the most broken places on earth begin to be rebuilt? And is Argentina mourning the death of a libertarian dream? ... Continue
157. Ukraine, Diplomacy, and the Future of Europe (Dmytro Kuleba)
What is the current position of Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war? How delicate is diplomacy with Europe and with the US for the Ukrainian government? What are the differences between working... Continue
The Rise of Rupert Murdoch: Making of a Mogul (Part 1)
Why is Rupert Murdoch considered such an influential figure? What was his childhood and family like growing up in Australia? How did he establish his groundbreaking media presence in the UK? ... Continue
457. Is Trump Planning Regime Change?
Why is Trump attacking Venezuelan ships? Are the Greens turning protest into real political power? And, will France create a sixth Republic? The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy.... Continue
456. Antisemitism, How the Tories Lost Britain, and Gaza
Why is antisemitism on the rise in the UK? Can Trump’s Gaza plan ever provide a just and lasting peace? Why does Rory think the Conservative Party is on a doomed path? Join Rory and Alasta... ContinueThe Rest Is Politics
17 Oct 2025
A Deal With the Devil? Murdoch and New Labour (Part 2)What was the nature of Rupert Murdoch's relationship with Margaret Thatcher? What led to News Corp's near-collapse in the late 1980s, and how did the company recover? Why and how did Tony Blair's "New Labour" court Rupert Murdoch's support in the 1990s?
Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart – join forces from across the political divide.
Leading
13 Oct 2025
157. Ukraine, Diplomacy, and the Future of Europe (Dmytro Kuleba)What is the current position of Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war? How delicate is diplomacy with Europe and with the US for the Ukrainian government? What are the differences between working with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Joe Biden?
Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.
Books
Little Experts: Why Politics Matters
Packed with fun, facts and challenges – perfect for readers aged 6 to 9.
Alastair Campbell Talks Politics
The empowering intro to politics that every young person needs right now from writer, podcaster and strategist Alastair Campbell.
Alastair Campbell’s diaries 2023
A thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable chronicle of our editor-at-large’s year, illustrated by Martin Rowson and Richard Jolley.
The bestselling new book from Alastair Campbell, on why politics has gone so wrong, and how you can help fix it. Part call to arms, part practical handbook, But What Can I Do? will prove required reading for anyone who wants to make a difference.
Alastair Campbell knows all about winning. As Tony Blair’s chief spokesman and strategist he helped guide the Labour Part…
Living Better is Alastair Campbell’s honest, moving and life affirming account of his lifelong struggle with depression. It is an…
In Pursuit of Personal and Political Happiness
A Game More Serious Than Life or Death
Diaries Volume 8: Rise and Fall of the Olympic Spirit, 2010 – 2015
It’s 2010 and Britain stands at a crossroads. After thirteen years in power, Labour find themselves out in the cold as David Cameron takes office – with a little help from the Liberal Democrats.
Diaries Volume 7: From Crash to Defeat, 2007 – 2010
Caught in the no man’s land between being a key figure in Downing Street and the relative anonymity of the world outside politics, Alastair Campbell finds himself being torn in several directions.
Diaries Volume 6: From Blair to Brown, 2005 – 2007
After helping Tony Blair to secure a historic third term in office, Alastair Campbell might have hoped to make good his long-planned escape from Downing Street. Blair, and Gordon Brown, had other ideas.
Diaries Volume 5: Outside, Inside, 2003 – 2005
This eagerly anticipated volume picks up where its predecessor left off, with Campbell standing down as Tony Blair’s director of communications in 2003.
Diaries Volume 4: The Burden of Power: Countdown to Iraq
The Burden of Power is the fourth volume of Alastair Campbell’s diaries, and perhaps the most eagerly awaited given the ground it covers.
Diaries Volume 3: Power & Responsibility
It begins amid conflict in Kosovo, and ends on September 11, 2001, a day which immediately wrote itself into the history books, changing the course of both the Bush presidency and the Blair premiership.
Diaries Volume 2: Power and the People 1997 – 1999
Power and the People is the second of four volumes, and covers the first two years of New Labour government, beginning with their landslide victory at the polls in 1997.
Diaries Volume 1: Prelude to Power
Volume 1 details the extraordinary tensions between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown as they resolved the question as to which one should stand to become Labour leader.
The Blair Years is the most compelling and revealing account of contemporary politics you will ever read. Taken from….
The Irish Diaries (1994 – 2003)
This newly edited one-volume edition focuses on one of the Blair government’s biggest successes, the Northern Ireland peace process.
Maya Lowe is one of the world’s most beautiful film stars.
Emily is a traumatised burns victim, Arta a Kosovan refugee recovering from a rape. David Temple is a longterm depressive, while the Rt Hon Ralph Hall MP lives in terror of his drink problem being exposed.
She likes a drink. Everyone has a problem.