The Rest Is Politics

22 Oct 2026

582. Netanyahu’s Fight for Survival and the Gaza Film That Shocked Rory and Alastair

What is at stake for Israelis and Palestinians in the upcoming parliamentary elections and, if Netanyahu loses, will anything actually change given the major parties reject a two state solution? Why does the IDF’s ‘bureaucracy of mass murder’ and its ‘NAZA’ collateral damage policy in Gaza feature so little in Israel’s domestic political debates? From Trump’s new press secretary’s disastrous five-day tenure, to the fallout from the Reform UK documentary, are we all now living in parallel political universes where scandals have less impact than they used to?

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

19 Oct 2026

211. Trump’s Niece on Why He’s On Putin’s Side

How did Donald Trump’s childhood shape the president we see today? Why was Mary Trump cut out of her grandfather’s billion-dollar will? Why does he want to see Europe fail?

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

Burnham must learn the lessons of Starmer’s failure – and they start with Brexit

Be optimistic, don’t ignore the party and find new ways to cut through lies and disinformation... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: What Starmer never understood about being PM

The nature of how his landslide was won demanded more inclusive government... Continue

194. Is Putin Losing his Grip on Russia?

With war fatigue growing and polls showing increasing dissatisfaction with life in Russia, is Vladimir Putin beginning to lose control? What is really happening inside Russia today? And what is it lik... Continue

545. Burnham Beats Reform: Britain’s Next Prime Minister?

Has Andy Burnham’s huge victory against Reform in Makerfield shown the Labour Party how it can beat Farage? What does this defeat mean for the right, and how tricky will the coming months be for And... Continue

544. How Trump Is Weaponising AI and Martial Arts at the White House

Has Britain become a “vassal” state, dangerously dependent on the US for our most vital national security capabilities? What does Trump’s martial arts birthday event on the White House lawn tell... Continue

543. The Disaster Britain Still Can’t Escape and Trump’s Iran ‘Deal’

What is the true cost of Brexit? How have British and European far-right politics evolved since the historic Brexit referendum, and can liberal democracy survive it? Is it possible to see Trump’s Ir... Continue

Let’s make Farage wear Brexit like a badge of shame

In a world of chancers and charlatans, we need facts at our fingertips as vital ammunition for the battles ahead: Beating Reform and joining the EU... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Meet the Trump hire who says the president is now out of control

Former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney would have stopped the money-grabbing mixing of political and family business... Continue