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.

115. Ben Wallace: Britain’s mistake in Ukraine, Trump vs. NATO, and visiting Iran with Jeremy Corbyn

Why do some soldiers make bad politicians? What's the West doing wrong in terms of its policy towards the Ukraine War? How can Keir Starmer turn around the public perception of his Labour gov... Continue

6 January 2025

114. The future of Wales (Eluned Morgan)

How did Morgan’s upbringing as the daughter of a priest set her off on a path to become Welsh First Minister? What does a former member of the European Parliament think happened with Brexit... Continue

30 December 2024

113. How likely is World War 3? (Ian Bremmer)

What does Musk’s de-facto role as ‘co president’ say about the impact of Big Tech on the disintegration of the international order? How can we approach solving some of the world's bigge... Continue

23 December 2024

112. Bill Clinton: Putin, Palestine, and Trump

Does Bill Clinton feel that the current Israel-Hamas war could have been avoided if former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat had accepted the peace deal in 2001? Does he regret allowing Ch... Continue

16 December 2024

111. Angela Merkel: Putin, Trump, and Europe’s future

What lessons on leadership does Angela Merkel have after 16 years served as Chancellor of Germany? Does she have any regrets from her tenure? What was it like being in East Germany when the B... Continue

9 December 2024

110. Chris Patten: Conservatism, China, and the future of democracy

As the last Governor of Hong Kong, what are Chris Patten's reflections on the city’s trajectory since the handover in 1997? How can the West improve it's relationship to China? What role do... Continue

2 December 2024

109. Is it time to legalise assisted dying? (Kim Leadbeater)

Should assisted dying be legalised? How did the murder of her sister, Jo Cox, impact British politics? Why is the job of an MP so difficult?Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour MP Kim Leadb... Continue

25 November 2024

108. Mhairi Black: Independence, inequality, and the future of the SNP

What was it like entering Parliament as the youngest MP? How has the SNP’s approach to campaigning for Scottish independence changed since the 2014 referendum? What does the future hold for... Continue

18 November 2024

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.