The Rest Is Politics

20 Nov 2025

470. China vs Japan, the BBC at Breaking Point, and The Future of Satire (Question Time)

Is Japan provoking China, or responding to a real threat over Taiwan? What does the BBC’s credibility crisis reveal about Britain’s fight over truth? And, why is Chile swinging from the left to the far right? 

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

17 Nov 2025

162. Gareth Southgate: Patriotism, Leadership, and How To Inspire Young Men

What invaluable life-lessons did Gareth Southgate learn by missing a high profile penalty in the Euro 96 semi-finals? Does the former England manager see a future for himself in politics? How should we teach resilience and leadership to the next generation of men?

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.

Latest

470. China vs Japan, the BBC at Breaking Point, and The Future of Satire (Question Time)

Is Japan provoking China, or responding to a real threat over Taiwan? What does the BBC’s credibility crisis reveal about Britain’s fight over truth? And, why is Chile swinging from the l... Continue

469. Is Starmer Out of Moves? Asylum Gamble, Tax Chaos, and Open Infighting

After a week of turmoil, can Labour recover their support or are they already doomed to lose the next election? Are Shabana Mahmood's immigration reforms the answer to the threat of Reform, o... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: This government is like The Thick Of It, but unfunny

It is ludicrous that, in little over a year, Keir Starmer has gone from landslide high to record low satisfaction ratings... Continue

162. Gareth Southgate: Patriotism, Leadership, and How To Inspire Young Men

What invaluable life-lessons did Gareth Southgate learn by missing a high profile penalty in the Euro 96 semi-finals? Does the former England manager see a future for himself in politics? How... Continue

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