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.

83. The Man Who Ran Downing Street

What are prime ministers really like behind closed doors? How do you become Britain’s most powerful civil servant? Are special advisors a force for good or ill?On today’s episode of Leadi... Continue

1 July 2024

82. Wes Streeting: Labour, privatisation, and the NHS

Could privatising areas of the NHS save it? How easy is it to reconcile one's faith and sexuality? What is Labour's plan for health and social care?Rory and Alastair are joined by the Shadow ... Continue

28 June 2024

81. Alex Chalk, Lord Chancellor: How to fix Britain’s prisons

What are the powers of the Lord Chancellor? How important are friendships in politics? What needs to change to solve the prison crisis in the UK?Rory and Alastair are joined by Lord Chancello... Continue

24 June 2024

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80. Bridget Phillipson: Can we save Britain’s schools?

Is there a class system in the UK? What is the State's role in redistributing wealth in society? How did Jeremy Corbyn's leadership impact Red Wall voters? Shadow Secretary of State for Educa... Continue

17 June 2024

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79. Nadhim Zahawi: Iraq, Conservatism, and why he backed Boris Johnson

What does the former Chancellor make of the current Conservative election campaign? What was his experience escaping Saddam Hussein's Iraq? And does he stand by his support of Boris Johnson a... Continue

14 June 2024

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78. David Blunkett: Education, policing immigration, and the future of the Labour Party (Part 2)

What challenges did David Blunkett face as Home Secretary following 9/11? Does he have any regrets relating to his crime and punishment policies? What does the future look like for Keir Starm... Continue

10 June 2024

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77. David Blunkett: Tony Blair, growing up blind, and where Margaret Thatcher went wrong (Part 1)

How did the loss of industry in the 1980s affect David Blunkett's politics? What was his experience growing up blind in Sheffield? How did Neil Kinnock and Tony Blair compare? Rory and Alasta... Continue

3 June 2024

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Legacy… Margaret Thatcher

Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan tell the wild stories of some of the most extraordinary men and women ever to have lived – and ask whether they have the reputation they deserve. Should Nina... Continue

31 May 2024

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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.