The Rest Is Politics

15 May 2026

533. Andy Burnham’s Big Gamble: Can He Beat Reform?

What is Alastair’s plea to Labour politicians, after this week’s turmoil? After Wes Streeting’s resignation from the cabinet, will he still run against the ‘King of the North’, Andy Burnham, and how bruising would a leadership contest be for the government? How risky is this for Burnham, and can he beat Reform in Greater Manchester?

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

18 May 2026

189. Rahm Emanuel: China, Technology, and the Future of the Democratic Party

Will Rahm Emanuel run to be the next President of the United States? What were the underlying policy disagreements regarding West Bank settlements that led to Benjamin Netanyahu publicly attacking Rahm Emanuel? And, what approach would he take to handle the conflict with Iran and modernise the United States' relationships with Europe?

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

189. Rahm Emanuel: China, Technology, and the Future of the Democratic Party

Will Rahm Emanuel run to be the next President of the United States? What were the underlying policy disagreements regarding West Bank settlements that led to Benjamin Netanyahu publicly attacking Rah... Continue

533. Andy Burnham’s Big Gamble: Can He Beat Reform?

What is Alastair’s plea to Labour politicians, after this week’s turmoil? After Wes Streeting’s resignation from the cabinet, will he still run against the ‘King of the North’, Andy Burnham,... Continue

532. The Trump-Xi Showdown and Putin’s Conscription Con

As Trump becomes the first American president to visit China in nearly a decade, will the summit bring any positive developments, or will it further deepen global disorder? Will Trump sacrifice Taiwan... Continue

531. Starmer on the Brink: What Next?

As Starmer’s cabinet begin turning against him, how long can he cling on to power? By challenging Starmer without a clear plan for what comes next, are Labour MPs unleashing a chaos they cannot cont... Continue

Enraged or Engaged? Angela Rayner on The Gen Z Story

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner joins Alastair Campbell and Vicky Spratt to discuss the Gen Z story as she sees it. Listen to hear her thoughts on the success of The Green Party, the allur... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: It’s too soon for a leadership challenge to Starmer

The PM must show fight and passion - and his critics must consider what they really want... Continue

188. Will AI Give China or the US Total Power? (William MacAskill)

Could artificial intelligence hand the US or China 99% of global economic and military power? What happens when millions of autonomous weapons systems are controlled by a single commander-in-chief? Ha... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Farage wants to dodge the blame for Brexit. We can’t let him

Labour are letting Reform’s leader get away with it - the upcoming 10th anniversary is time to change that... Continue