The Rest Is Politics

10 Oct 2025

The Rise of Rupert Murdoch: Making of a Mogul (Part 1)

Why is Rupert Murdoch considered such an influential figure? What was his childhood and family like growing up in Australia? How did he establish his groundbreaking media presence in the UK?

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

6 Oct 2025

156. Defence Secretary, John Healey: Is Britain Ready For War?

What tactic did Donald Trump steal from Gordon Brown? What can we learn from when Labour beat UKIP in the 2012 Rotherham by-election when it comes to taking on Farage? As a New Labour alumnus, why does John Healey think there was more patience for change in 1997 compared to 2024? 

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

405. Starmer’s EU Deal: A New Era

Is Starmer's UK-EU deal a “win-win” reset of relations or a betrayal of Brexit red lines? Will this deal actually lower food and energy costs or boost growth? What does twelve years of Eu... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: This UK-EU reset must be just the start

We will only properly fix the mess leaving the bloc created if we admit the scale of it... Continue

134. Palestine’s Most Popular Politician: Marwan Barghouti’s Son on Occupation, Resistance, and Hope

Who, instead of Hamas, could represent a peaceful Palestinian leadership? Why does Marwan Barghouti remain the most popular leader in Palestine despite being in jail for over 20 years, a peri... Continue

404. Question Time: How Starmer Fell Into Farage’s Immigration Trap

What message is the new pope sending to Trump? To what extent are the USAID cuts killing children? And, did Rory “get it wrong” on water nationalisation?  Join Rory and Alastair as they... Continue

403. Trump’s Gulf Billions: Saudi, Sanctions, and Ceasefires

From a $400m plane to starvation in Gaza, who will benefit from Trump’s big Gulf visit? Who really brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan? Can Zelensky and Ukraine survive on hal... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The Pope vs JD Vance

Robert Prevost may have been born American, but his experience, views and values are as far from Trumpian as were his predecessor’s... Continue

133. Trump vs. Europe: Flattery, Pushback, and Powerplays (Congressman Jim Himes)

Will Europe ever trust the US again? What is the future of the Democratic party? What does the signal chat leak tell us about the psychology of the Trump administration?  TRIP Plus: Become... Continue

402. Question Time: India vs. Pakistan | What Happens Now?

Should Labour boot Tony Blair over his attack on the government's climate policy? Why is the U.S. defending Germany’s AfD? Are Britain’s towns and cities more politically split than ever?... Continue