The Rest Is Politics

11 Jun 2026

542. Starmer Loses His Defence Secretary: What Next?

What does John Healey's shock resignation mean for Keir Starmer, whose position is already on the line ahead of Andy Burnham's crunch by-election in Makerfield? Who might replace Healey in one of the most important jobs in government, at one of the most dangerous moments in the UK's history? With NATO allies demanding higher spending on defence and Trump's America growing ever more unpredictable, can Britain afford a government at war with itself over military spending?

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.

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Leading

8 Jun 2026

192. Are We On The Brink Of World War III? (Odd Arne Westad)

How similar is today's world to the months before the outbreak of World War I? Could Taiwan, India-China tensions, or an unforeseen crisis be the spark that sets the world ablaze? Are our leaders too consumed by domestic politics to prevent a catastrophic great power war?

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.

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Latest

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
Podcast

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
Podcast

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Where Starmer went wrong with the Mandelson debacle

Politics is as much about relationships and an understanding of human nature as it is about policy and legislation. The PM must learn this before it’s too late... Continue
Article

153. The Man Who Invented The Internet (Tim Berners-Lee)

Tim Berners-Lee could be one of the richest men on the planet, why did he forfeit such large profits to make the world wide web a free and open space? How do we reclaim the internet from soci... Continue
Podcast

153. The Man Who Invented The World Wide Web (Tim Berners-Lee)

Tim Berners-Lee could be one of the richest men on the planet, why did he forfeit such large profits to make the World Wide Web a free and open space? How do we reclaim the internet from soci... Continue
Podcast

153. The Man Who Invented The World Wide Web (Tim Berners-Lee)

Tim Berners-Lee could be one of the richest men on the planet, why did he forfeit such large profits to make the World Wide Web a free and open space? How do we reclaim the internet from soci... Continue
Podcast

448. Question Time: Mandelson’s Epstein Disgrace, Kirk’s Assassination, and Trump’s Illegal Boat Strike

Why did Peter Mandelson become so mesmerised by the rich and famous? What does Charlie Kirk’s assassination mean for the future of American politics? Is Trump trying to start a fake war wit... Continue
Podcast

447. Is Starmer Sleepwalking Britain into Farage’s Hands?

Has Starmer’s reshuffle shifted Labour to the right, and frozen out the left? Will Farage ultimately lose control of Reform UK? Why has the French government collapsed again? Join Rory and... Continue
Podcast