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

165. Anna Wintour: Culture, Influence, and the Power of Decisive Leadership

Why should everybody get fired at least once? As the former Editor-in-chief of American Vogue, how does Anna Wintour use fashion as a cultural and economic force? Why is Anna’s leadership s... Continue

476. Polanski’s Problem, Westminster’s Russia Blind Spot, and Justice Without Juries? (Question Time)

Are the Greens selling an economic vision they can’t explain? Should Britain ditch juries in some trials? And, how far has Russian influence seeped into UK politics? Join Rory and Alastair... Continue

475. The Budget Backlash – and Trump’s Plan to Profit from Peace in Ukraine

Is the media too negative about Reeves and Starmer, or are they simply out of ideas? What has the relentless Budget turmoil and fallout done to already low levels of trust in the Government? ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Where is Reform’s money coming from?

Real journalists would want to know whether any of the party's finances came in rouble form... Continue

Introducing: The Rest Is Science

Forget what you think you know about reality. The Rest Is Science is a mind-bending new show from Goalhanger that tears down familiar ideas… time, randomness, beauty, it will reveal just how bizarre... Continue

164. Zack Polanski: Do The Greens Have What It Takes?

Why has Green party membership exploded since Zack Polanski became leader in September? What radical economic reforms is he fighting for? Why have the Greens stopped talking about the environ... Continue

474. What Does the Budget Mean for You?

Was this 'the most leaked Budget' of all time? Has Rachel Reeves managed to balance the demands of the public, the markets, industry, and her party? Can Reeves turn around the Government’s ... Continue

473. Europe vs. Trump: Competing Visions for a Ukraine Peace Deal (Question Time)

What happens to global leadership when the US ghosts the G20 and COP, and can middle powers really keep the world moving? Is Britain ignoring a major foreign-interference scandal? And, how cl... Continue