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

155. Mike Pompeo On Russia, Trump, and China

Why does the former Secretary of State think the US is going too soft on Russia and China? What was it like working closely with President Trump? Why did Putin invade Europe under Obama and B... Continue

453. Trump’s Far Right Allies in Germany: Is History Repeating Itself?

Just how close is the far right to taking power in Europe and the UK? Why is Germany the perfect starting point for far-right agitators? Is Europe’s lacklustre response to an unfolding geno... Continue

452. Question Time: America’s New Martyr and Westminster’s Hidden Spies

Is Charlie Kirk becoming America’s new martyr for the far right? How deep does Chinese spying go in Western politics? And,  is Moldova the next target for Russian meddling? The Rest Is Po... Continue

451. Is Trump Destroying the UN?

Is it time to move the United Nations headquarters out of New York? Will recognising Palestine as a state make any difference to the plight of Gaza? Why does Reform UK get so much more covera... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Smash the populists, Keir

The prime minister needs to set out the path to a much better Britain than the one we have, before Nigel Farage does it for him... Continue

154. Maro Itoje: Inequality, Identity, and Hope

How do we tackle global poverty and fight for change? What qualities are needed in a leadership role? Is the Labour government delivering on the issue of inequality in the UK? Rory and Alast... Continue

450. Question Time: How Gen Z Took Down the Government

**Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussion of murder-suicide, rape and sexual violence** How did a corruption scandal in Nepal trigger a youth-led political earthquake? Does the UN ... Continue

449. Starmer Loses Control: Will Andy Burnham Challenge the PM?

As Trump arrives in the UK after the Mandelson-Epstein debacle, are Starmer’s days numbered as PM? If he can’t turn things around, who could replace him? Is Elon Musk trying to incite a c... Continue