Leading

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.

56. Bill Gates: Conspiracy theories, AI, and the politician he most admires

How does one of the richest men in the world run a business? Is artificial intelligence going to be as big as the Windows PC? What politicians does Bill Gates admire? Bill Gates joins Rory an... Continue

22 January 2024

Podcast

Posted by

55. Gillian Keegan: The future of British schools, union ‘barons’, and Sunak’s Rwanda battle

What's it like to be the Secretary of State for Education who left school at 17? How much power do unions really have in British politics? What's it like to become a Tory MP when your family ... Continue

15 January 2024

Podcast

Posted by

54. Guy Verhofstadt: Is there a case for a European army?

What's it like to run Belgium for a decade? How many people in the EU actually believe in 'ever-closer union'? What are the pros and cons of being a career politician?On today's episode of Le... Continue

8 January 2024

53. Seb Coe: Corruption, gender, and the geopolitics of sport

Will doping ever be defeated in sport? What was it like going from world class runner to government whip? Are the Tories finished in Britain?In the first Leading episode of 2024, Rory and Ala... Continue

1 January 2024

52. Tom Holland: How religion shaped politics and the Western world

Is the West more Christian than it thinks? Why are so many British prime ministers from religious backgrounds? How does the evangelical support for Donald Trump and the culture wars in the US... Continue

25 December 2023

51. Tim Peake: Will humans colonise Mars?

What is the future of human space exploration? Will people live on Mars in our life time? Are there plans to grow human organs on the moon?British astronaut Tim Peake joins Rory and Alastair ... Continue

18 December 2023

50. Angela Rayner: From zero GCSEs to Britain’s most powerful woman?

Could Labour still lose the next election? What really went wrong under Jeremy Corbyn? What do the left actually think of the right?Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour's Deputy Leader, Ang... Continue

11 December 2023

49. Christiana Figueres: COP28, Costa Rica, and surviving the climate crisis

How do countries cooperate to tackle the climate emergency? Is it unusual for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in the oil rich UAE? What does the future hold for renewa... Continue

4 December 2023

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.