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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: I doubted that Burnham had a ruthless streak. Not any more

If I had to put my life on it, I’d guess that he will be PM by Christmas... Continue

189. Rahm Emanuel: China, Technology, and the Future of the Democratic Party

Will Rahm Emanuel run to be the next President of the United States? What were the underlying policy disagreements regarding West Bank settlements that led to Benjamin Netanyahu publicly attacking Rah... Continue

533. Andy Burnham’s Big Gamble: Can He Beat Reform?

What is Alastair’s plea to Labour politicians, after this week’s turmoil? After Wes Streeting’s resignation from the cabinet, will he still run against the ‘King of the North’, Andy Burnham,... Continue

532. The Trump-Xi Showdown and Putin’s Conscription Con

As Trump becomes the first American president to visit China in nearly a decade, will the summit bring any positive developments, or will it further deepen global disorder? Will Trump sacrifice Taiwan... Continue

531. Starmer on the Brink: What Next?

As Starmer’s cabinet begin turning against him, how long can he cling on to power? By challenging Starmer without a clear plan for what comes next, are Labour MPs unleashing a chaos they cannot cont... Continue

Enraged or Engaged? Angela Rayner on The Gen Z Story

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner joins Alastair Campbell and Vicky Spratt to discuss the Gen Z story as she sees it. Listen to hear her thoughts on the success of The Green Party, the allur... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: It’s too soon for a leadership challenge to Starmer

The PM must show fight and passion - and his critics must consider what they really want... Continue

188. Will AI Give China or the US Total Power? (William MacAskill)

Could artificial intelligence hand the US or China 99% of global economic and military power? What happens when millions of autonomous weapons systems are controlled by a single commander-in-chief? Ha... Continue