writer, podcaster,
communicator, strategist

Latest

468. Starmer in Crisis: Sabotage From Within? (Question Time)

Has Keir Starmer lost control of his own team? Is Gen Z actually the most informed generation yet, or are they cripplingly cynical? And, why is African democracy in retreat? Join Rory and ... Continue

467. The Mamdani Method Explained: Could It Shock Britain?

How did a thirty four-year old democratic socialist win over New York, and can he actually follow through on his promise to transform the city? What do Zohran Mamdani, Zack Polanski, and Nige... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Dick Cheney, the unlikely anti-Trump symbol

In Trump’s eyes, Cheney was a non-person who did not even merit a comment upon his death... Continue

466. Crisis Hits the BBC: Is this a Coordinated Attack?

Why have the BBC’s Director General and Head of News both suddenly resigned? Is this an internal 'coup' at the BBC or a 'concerted' attack by its usual enemies? How is American-style polari... Continue

466. Crisis Engulfs the BBC: Is this a Coordinated Attack?

Why have the BBC’s Director General and Head of News both suddenly resigned? Is this an internal 'coup' at the BBC or a 'concerted' attack by its usual enemies? How is American-style polari... Continue

The malign right can’t be allowed to destroy the BBC

Panorama made mistakes but this ‘scandal’ is the work of populists trying to control the airwaves. They won’t rest... Continue

161. Putin, Trump, and 500 Years of Resisting Russia (Radek Sikorski)

What was it like for Radek Sikorski to be a refugee in the UK from communist Poland in the 80s? How will the war in Ukraine come to an end? Why is populism on the rise in Europe and how do we... Continue

Murdoch’s Succession Battle and the Fight for Fox News

What are the key differences between Murdoch's children, particularly Lachlan and James? How do the internal family conflicts of the Murdochs mirror the TV show Succession? What will Rupert M... Continue

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The Rest Is Politics

12 Nov 2025

468. Starmer in Crisis: Sabotage From Within? (Question Time)

Has Keir Starmer lost control of his own team? Is Gen Z actually the most informed generation yet, or are they cripplingly cynical? And, why is African democracy in retreat?

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

10 Nov 2025

161. Putin, Trump, and 500 Years of Resisting Russia (Radek Sikorski)

What was it like for Radek Sikorski to be a refugee in the UK from communist Poland in the 80s? How will the war in Ukraine come to an end? Why is populism on the rise in Europe and how do we fight it?

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.

But What Can I Do?

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.

Winners and how they succeed

Alastair Campbell knows all about winning. As Tony Blair’s chief spokesman and strategist he helped guide the Labour Part…

Living Better

Living Better is Alastair Campbell’s honest, moving and life affirming account of his lifelong struggle with depression. It is an…

The Happy Depressive

In Pursuit of Personal and Political Happiness

Saturday Bloody Saturday

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

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

Maya Lowe is one of the world’s most beautiful film stars.

All In The Mind: A Novel

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.

My Name Is

She likes a drink. Everyone has a problem.