The Rest Is Politics

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

14 Sep 2026

206. How Putin’s War Changed Finland Forever (Sanna Marin)

Following Putin's war in Ukraine, how politically challenging was it committing Finland to join NATO? What was it like becoming the world's youngest sitting prime minister at 34? Why did a scandal over dancing at a private party become a national and international story?

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

168. Crumbling Britain, a ruthless reshuffle, and Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘beautiful ears’

Who’s to blame for the UK’s crumbling infrastructure? Has Starmer’s shadow cabinet reshuffle strengthened his hand? Why is Rory such a fan of Jeremy Corbyn’s ears?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Mental health is a vote-winner

A clear plan from Labour on how to repair the damage the Tories have done to our mental health services will reap enormous political dividends... Continue

34. Ed Davey: Leading the Lib Dems, fighting the Tories, and a coalition with Starmer’s Labour?

What was it like for the Liberal Democrats in coalition? Would Ed Davey be prepared to work alongside Keir Starmer in another coalition government? Is tactical voting a good idea? Join Rory a... Continue

Introducing… The Rest Is Money

Does money really make the world go round? Economics, business and finance have long been subjects we leave to the stockbrokers, hedge fund managers and business school professors who spend t... Continue

167. Question Time: How to rig an election, Scotland’s golden goose, and the least impressive president of all time

How did Mnangagwa win the Zimbabwe election? Who is the least impressive world leader Rory and Alastair have met? What makes a good political memoir?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell as... Continue

166. Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, and absolute populist power

What will happen to Wagner operations in Africa now that Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead? How dangerous is Modi's rhetoric for India and the world? Who has had a bigger impact on the constituents o... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Vladimir Putin’s belligerence must not be underestimated

The world, including myself, missed tell-tale signs that Putin was the murder machine and enemy of liberal democracies he’s proved to be... Continue

33. Mustafa Suleyman: Will AI save or destroy humanity?

How much do you really know about the dangers of AI? Is it the best hope we have of surviving as a species, or will it lead to the destruction of humanity?On today's episode of Leading Alas... Continue