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

Depressed young main on the edge of despair.

For every step forward on mental health, the government seem determined to take us two steps back

Four Prime Ministers ago, when Theresa May stood outside 10, Downing Street and promised to address "burning injustices" the fact that she included mental health among them suggested the issue was h... Continue

20: Jonathan Powell: How to negotiate with terrorists

The role of Downing Street Chief of Staff was created for him, and he was the only senior advisor to last the whole period of Tony Blair's premiership - but who is the real Jonathan Powell, a... Continue

134. Question Time: Solving sewage, building on the Green Belt, and the most intimidating person in politics

Should we start building on the Green Belt? Is there a fun side to politics? Why don't ministers resign anymore without being pushed?Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and mor... Continue

133. Suella’s speeding, Japan in focus, and what’s the point of the G7?

How was the G7 formed, and what is the point of it today? What will the consequences be for Suella Braverman following her speeding scandal? How does religion influence politics?Join Alastair... Continue

19: Leo Varadkar: Ireland’s Taoiseach on NATO, China, and Joe Biden

How does the Irish Taoiseach feel about Brexit? Would Leo Varadkar consider himself a Tory in the English parliamentary system? Does Ireland have a problem with alcohol?Leo Varadkar speaks to... Continue

But What Can I Do? (Extract)

Have you heard? Alastair has written a book! 'But What Can I Do?' is out now.As a Friday bonus, here's an extract from the audiobook version for you to enjoy.To hear the whole audiobook, you ... Continue

132. Question Time: How to reform prisons, Macron vs. Clinton, and what is the Privy Council?

Was Hillary Clinton arrogant in her comments about Emmanuel Macron? What's the best way to reform UK prisons? How much do you know about sporrans?Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all... Continue

131. Erdoğan fights on, ‘Clause IV on steroids’, and the fall of military rule

What next for Turkey? How does Starmer aim to reform Labour? Why should we be paying attention to events in Thailand?Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and more on today's epi... Continue