496. Mandelson’s Disgrace: How Epstein Poisoned Our Politics

  • Podcast

  • 3 February 2026

  • Posted by Alastair Campbell

  • 1

What do Peter Mandelson's ties to Jefferey Epstein reveal about the influence of the rich and powerful in British politics? Why did so many prominent figures continue associating with and supporting Jefferey Epstein after his conviction in 2008? How do wealthy elites exploit political systems, and what structural reforms can protect democracies from corruption?



Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.

__________


Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord.


The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics.


Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee ✅

__________


Instagram: @restispolitics

Twitter: @restispolitics

Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com

__________


Social Producer: Celine Charles

Video Editor: Josh Smith, James Clayden

Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne

Producer: Evan Green

Senior Producer: Callum Hill

General Manager: Tom Whiter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One response to “496. Mandelson’s Disgrace: How Epstein Poisoned Our Politics”

  1. The way this podcast frames politicians as ‘prey’ for Epstein is embarrassing. The prey were the young girls. These politicians are grown adults who can choose with who they meet and socialise with. Not to mention that a base MP salary of £93,904 is plenty (when the median full-time earnings in the UK are around £39,000). Out of touch much. It’s disgusting to suggest politicians should be paid more to ensure they don’t accept bribes. Do better. No sympathy at all.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

518. Is Trump a Fascist and is His War on Iran Unwinnable?

Has Trump crossed the line from right-wing populist to fascist? Is he fighting a war with Iran he cannot win? Is Iraq being dragged in against its will? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Alastair Campbell a... Continue

7 April 2026

183. From Bradford to Westminster: Faith, Identity, and Power (Naz Shah)

How did Naz Shah’s experience growing up in Bradford and her experience with her family in the legal system influence her to go into politics? What does it mean for a political party to truly “sta... Continue

6 April 2026

The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking Over

What is populism, and why is it so attractive to voters? Which human instincts do populists tap into to get votes? And what does a populist-led country look like? Alastair is joined by Liam Byrne, MP... Continue

2 April 2026

517. Is Trump Plotting Regime Change in Cuba? (Question Time)

Does Trump already have one eye on regime change in Cuba, as the US faces strategic failure in the Iran war? Who is more dangerous to the world right now, Putin or Netanyahu? Should Starmer be doing m... Continue

2 April 2026

516. Trump’s Iran Delusion and the Limits of American Power

Why has opposition to the Iran war been so muted within Trump’s America, and how is the US uniquely insulated from the worst impacts of the war? Do American tech billionaires now pose a serious thre... Continue

1 April 2026

Alastair Campbell’s diary: How Jon Stewart told me the brutal truth about Trump and Hegseth

A tour of top podcasts featured savagings of Brexit – and the man baby in the White House... Continue

1 April 2026

Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear (The Book Club)

Why is 1984 as relevant today as when it was published? Who is Big Brother, and why is he so powerful? What was George Orwell's intention when creating the world of 1984, and what does it tell us abou... Continue

30 March 2026

182. Culture Wars, Identity, and What Needs To Change In Congress (Sarah McBride)

How are rights for trans people in the US improving or worsening under the Republican administration? What fundamentally needs to change in Congress to improve the state of politics? Are the Democrats... Continue

30 March 2026