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.
9 Apr 2026
184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr ZelenskyyAt 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.
462. Starmer Hits Rock Bottom: Will He Break His Manifesto to Survive?
What does Labour’s unprecedented collapse in Wales really mean? If Putin takes Ukraine, which European neighbour is next? What can Starmer learn from Ireland’s new president, Catherine Co... Continue
159. Michael Gove: My Journey From Left to Right (Part 1)
How did Michael Gove go from campaigning for Labour leader Michael Foot in 1983 to becoming a Conservative MP? What is the impact that Rupert Murdoch has had on public life? What do Michael a... Continue
The Phone-Hacking Scandal: How Murdoch’s UK Empire Fell
What was the phone-hacking scandal and how did it escalate into a major crisis? How was Alastair himself implicated? What did Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng mean for his family's for... Continue
The Phone-Hacking Scandal: How Murdoch’s UK Empire Fell (Part 3)
What was the phone-hacking scandal and how did it escalate into a major crisis? How was Alastair himself implicated? What did Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng mean for his family's for... Continue
461. Question Time: China’s Spy Web, the Tel Aviv Fan Ban, and Japan’s New Thatcher
Why did Britain drop a clear Chinese spying case? Was banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans the right call? What does Prince Andrew’s latest downfall reveal about the royals? Join Rory and Alastai... Continue
461. Question Time: The Tel Aviv Fan Ban & Japan’s New Thatcher
This episode has been edited to remove a discussion on the China spy case. The Rest Is Politics wishes to make clear that Mr Christopher Cash and Mr Christopher Berry were found not guilty of... Continue
460. Inside Trump’s Gaza-Ukraine Playbook: Who Profits from Peace?
Is Trump selling peace to the highest bidder? Is the Farage surge in Wales a warning shot for Westminster? Why is the UK going backwards again on mental health? Join Rory and Alastair as the... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Dear young Republicans, JD Vance is no role model
Students in the US believe the UK has a free speech problem and the vice president is spinning this myth as a reality... Continue