The Rest Is Politics

18 Sep 2025

450. Question Time: How Gen Z Took Down the Government

**Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussion of murder-suicide, rape and sexual violence**

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

15 Sep 2025

153. The Man Who Invented The Internet (Tim Berners-Lee)

Tim Berners-Lee could be one of the richest men on the planet, why did he forfeit such large profits to make the world wide web a free and open space? How do we reclaim the internet from social media companies taking away our sovereignty? Have tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk thanked Tim for his invention? 

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

450. Question Time: How Gen Z Took Down the Government

**Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussion of murder-suicide, rape and sexual violence** How did a corruption scandal in Nepal trigger a youth-led political earthquake? Does the UN ... Continue

449. Starmer Loses Control: Will Andy Burnham Challenge the PM?

As Trump arrives in the UK after the Mandelson-Epstein debacle, are Starmer’s days numbered as PM? If he can’t turn things around, who could replace him? Is Elon Musk trying to incite a c... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Where Starmer went wrong with the Mandelson debacle

Politics is as much about relationships and an understanding of human nature as it is about policy and legislation. The PM must learn this before it’s too late... Continue

153. The Man Who Invented The Internet (Tim Berners-Lee)

Tim Berners-Lee could be one of the richest men on the planet, why did he forfeit such large profits to make the world wide web a free and open space? How do we reclaim the internet from soci... Continue

448. Question Time: Mandelson’s Epstein Disgrace, Kirk’s Assassination, and Trump’s Illegal Boat Strike

Why did Peter Mandelson become so mesmerised by the rich and famous? What does Charlie Kirk’s assassination mean for the future of American politics? Is Trump trying to start a fake war wit... Continue

447. Is Starmer Sleepwalking Britain into Farage’s Hands?

Has Starmer’s reshuffle shifted Labour to the right, and frozen out the left? Will Farage ultimately lose control of Reform UK? Why has the French government collapsed again? Join Rory and... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: When I unpacked the Putin papers

Today, the west sees Putin as a bloodthirsty dictator hellbent on destroying peace democracy in Europe. 25 years ago, the picture was very different... Continue

446. Israel Bombs Qatar: Where Does Impunity End?

Is Netanyahu’s illegal bombing of Doha yet another death knell for international law? Why is the West’s response so lacklustre? Is Trump secretly furious with Netanyahu? Join Rory and Al... Continue