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

150. Nicola Sturgeon: What Really Happened In The Scottish Referendum (Part 2)

How did the media and Westminster impact the Scottish Referendum? Why are spin rooms "utterly pointless" in Nicola's view? Is misogyny in politics as bad as it used to be, or getting worse du... Continue

440. Question Time: How To Start A Centrist Party

Why do the Lib Dems still fly under the radar? Is Trump quietly setting the stage for an authoritarian takeover? And, why does Alastair swear so much? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer a... Continue

439. The Pro-Putin President: Are Zelensky and Europe sleepwalking into disaster?

Is appeasing Trump and Putin a recipe for disaster in Europe , or simply a pragmatic approach? Why was JD Vance so silent in Zelensky's second White House visit? With mass protests on the str... Continue

149. Nicola Sturgeon: On Margaret Thatcher, Alex Salmond, and the Push for Independence (Part 1)

What is the difference between class distinctions in Scotland and the rest of the UK? How did Nicola Sturgeon's childhood in Scotland inform her politics? What was Margaret Thatcher's influen... Continue

438. Inside the Trump-Putin Summit: What Really Happened in Alaska?

What does 'no deal' mean for Ukraine and Europe? What was agreed behind closed doors? How will Zelensky respond? Join Rory and Alastair as they unpack Trump and Putin's historic meeting in A... Continue

148. The President of Guyana: The Fastest Growing Economy in the World (Irfaan Ali)

How does Guyana balance its unprecedented economic growth, largely due to oil discoveries, with environmental sustainability? How does Guyana perceive and address the historical scar left by... Continue

437. Question Time: Farage vs Corbyn: The UK’s Next Prime Minister?

Is Starmer too afraid to take on Farage? What does Germany’s turn away from Israel signal? And, how much should kids know about geopolitics?  Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all the... Continue

436. Is Trump Gifting Ukraine to Putin?

Have Zelensky and Europe lost all leverage over Trump and Putin? What’s behind Vance’s ‘odd relationship’ with UK foreign secretary David Lammy? Why does Rory think Starmer’s terror... Continue