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

Murdoch’s Succession Battle and the Fight for Fox News

What are the key differences between Murdoch's children, particularly Lachlan and James? How do the internal family conflicts of the Murdochs mirror the TV show Succession? What will Rupert M... Continue

465. Andrew’s Disgrace, Newsnight, and a Centrist Win in the Netherlands (Question Time)

How much transparency should we demand from the monarchy? Do the latest Dutch results show that populism is fracturing, or simply mutating? And, did Xi embarrass Trump?  __________ Join Ror... Continue

464. Labour’s Tax Timebomb, Climate Backsliding, and Sudan’s Forgotten War

Is this the Budget that breaks Labour, or can Reeves walk the tightrope? Why does the general public increasingly think we’re overreacting to climate breakdown? Why aren’t Elon Musk’s p... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Elon Musk’s role in funding fascism

What Musk calls free speech, I call the promotion of fascism. The Tesla CEO needs to leave our politics alone... Continue

The Monster He Made: Murdoch, Trump, and the Price of Power

What was the nature of the relationship between Fox News and Donald Trump? What, or who, caused Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng to end? What were the consequences of Fox News promotin... Continue

The Monster He Made: Murdoch, Trump, and the Price of Power (Part 4)

What was the nature of the relationship between Fox News and Donald Trump? What, or who, caused Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng to end? What were the consequences of Fox News promotin... Continue

160. Michael Gove: Education, Brexit, and Trump (Part 2)

What is Michael Gove's lasting legacy on education in the UK? Would he have come to his position on Brexit if it weren't for Dominic Cummings? Is Nigel Farage's Reform a better chance for the... Continue

463. Question Time: How Truth Became Optional In Trump’s America

How serious are Trump’s hints about serving a third term? Is the US sleepwalking into a civil war? And does the Labour Party really understand rural Britain?  Join Rory and Alastair as t... Continue