The Rest Is Politics

17 Apr 2026

523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?

Can Starmer survive if it emerges he was previously told about Mandelson's failed vetting? Is he developing a pattern of blaming others when things go wrong? Will this lead Labour MPs to start questioning their leader ahead of crucial local elections?

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

9 Apr 2026

184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

At a time when the United States is threatening to withdraw from NATO, how can Europe maximise its power to deter Russia's threat? If Vladimir Putin were given the territory Donald Trump offered in his peace plan, what would his next move be? Why does the White House keep misunderstanding Putin’s real war aims?

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

488. Is Iran on the Edge of Revolution?

Could the Iran protests finally break the Supreme Leader’s brutal reign, or will the regime's deadly crackdown contain the unrest? If the US intervenes militarily, what would a Trump-style plan for ... Continue

170. President of Moldova, Maia Sandu: Holding the Line Between Democracy and Putin

How did Maia Sandu fight Russian disinformation in Moldova? What is it like to have a war in the country next door? Will the European Union accept Moldova with Russian troops in the country?  Rory a... Continue

China Vs USA: Who Will Win the AI Race?

Who really controls AI; governments, corporations, or no one at all? Is AI becoming a new kind of global arms race? And, can we keep humans in charge of systems that move faster than we do? Rory and ... Continue

487. Is Starmer Rethinking His Approach to Europe? (Question Time)

What do Keir Starmer’s comments on 'closer alignment' with the EU single market actually mean? After the Bondi terror attack, how can a centrist government respond to national trauma without fuellin... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Maia Sandu, the leader who stood up to Putin

The president of Moldova saw off a vicious campaign from Russia by educating the public about the threat and mobilising them against it. Would we do the same here?... Continue

486. Does Maduro’s Capture Put Greenland at Risk?

Is Venezuela the start of something bigger? If this isn’t regime change, what does Trump actually want? And, has Trump just handed Putin a win?  Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these ques... Continue

169. Jimmy Wales: Wikipedia vs. Musk, AI, and the Battle for Truth

Who gave us an encyclopedia in our pockets? Why is the statement that Donald Trump is the "worst president in US history" allowed on his Wikipedia page? How do Brazilians and Americans differ on the... Continue

485. Trump Says America will Run Venezuela

Trump has announced that Venezuela will now be run by Washington as US forces have captured Nicolás Maduro and taken him to stand trial in New York. After months of escalating tension, Trump launched... Continue