The Rest Is Politics

29 May 2026

Who Funds Reform? The Missing Millions

Who is the secretive billionaire bankrolling Reform — and what does he want? How did a brand new party raise and spend £17 million with no public explanation? As Farage inches toward power, who's really pulling the strings?

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

25 May 2026

190. How the Media Still Misunderstands Trump (Tina Brown)

Why does Trump understand the media better than the media understands him? Are tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos more dangerous to journalism than Rupert Murdoch ever was? What did Tina Brown see change in Trump from the '80s to now, and when did he turn "dark"?

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

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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: We expect politicians to lie – and that’s the problem

We have become too accustomed to figures like Donald Trump, who see misinformation as a weapon rather than an issue... Continue

163. Prison Reform, Masculinity, and Restorative Justice (James Graham and Jacob Dunne)

Jacob Dunne killed someone as a teenager, how did he seek forgiveness from his victim’s parents? What is restorative justice? How did Jacob’s experience of the criminal justice system com... Continue

472. Is Trump’s Peace ‘Plan’ Forced Surrender for Ukraine?

Who is really behind the White House 'peace plan' for Ukraine: Trump or Putin? Why isn't Europe taking the threat from Russia more seriously, and doing more to protect Ukraine? How does all o... Continue

471. Rory Stewart: Why the Government Tried to Silence Me on Lockdowns

Why did Boris Johnson and the British government not only fail to listen, but actively try to suppress early warnings about the pandemic? How did groupthink and optimism bias cripple the UK's... Continue

471. Rory Stewart: How the Government Tried to Silence Me on Lockdowns

Why did Boris Johnson and the British government not only fail to listen, but actively try to suppress early warnings about the pandemic? How did groupthink and optimism bias cripple the UK's... Continue

470. China vs Japan, the BBC at Breaking Point, and The Future of Satire (Question Time)

Is Japan provoking China, or responding to a real threat over Taiwan? What does the BBC’s credibility crisis reveal about Britain’s fight over truth? And, why is Chile swinging from the l... Continue