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

445. Starmer’s Deputy PM Quits: The Return of Chaos in British Politics?

Just how damaging is Angela Rayner’s dramatic exit for the UK government? Has Starmer gone too early with his cabinet reshuffle? What does this mean for Labour and the threat from Nigel Far... Continue

444. Question Time: Can Labour Reinvent Itself?

Why is Gaza the deadliest place for journalists? Is Farage copying Trump by silencing the press?And, Is Britain’s Online Safety Act censorship or protection? Join Rory and Alastair as they... Continue

443. China’s Plot to Topple Trump: How to Bring Down a Superpower

How is China forging a new world order beyond Trump’s isolationist America? Is Trump’s sudden turn against India uniting Xi, Putin, and Modi – for good? As Washington falters and Beijin... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: How Trump lost the moral high ground to China

Right now, Xi Jinping is letting Trump do all the soft power heavy lifting for him... Continue

151. Prime Minister of Norway: On Trump, Tech, and Brexit Lessons (Jonas Gahr Støre)

Why is the nation with the world’s richest sovereign wealth fund not ‘universally happy’? What can the UK learn from Norway’s relationship with the EU? Is Jonas Gahr Støre really sta... Continue

442. Question Time: Trump’s Plot To Cancel The Midterms

Is Trump edging the U.S. toward military rule? Can Gaza survive famine amid total collapse? Will Ukraine resist Putin if Western backing falters? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all th... Continue

441. The Reality of Farage’s Mass Deportation Fantasy

Is Farage imitating Trump with his desire to deport 600,000 migrants from the UK? How is the media whipping up a toxic debate on immigration? Why is Labour still trying to ape Reform, rather ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Does Trump deserve the Nobel?

His desperation to follow in Barack Obama’s footsteps deepens day by day, unsolved war by unsolved war... Continue