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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Trump isn’t World King, he’s a narcissist

The president's trip to Scotland proves there's a real harm in not holding his actions to account... Continue
Article

146. The Rise and Fall of The Conservative Party: Jeremy Hunt (Part 1)

How did Jeremy Hunt lose the Conservative leadership race to Boris Johnson? What does the longest serving Health Minister think will fix the NHS? What does Jeremy Hunt really think of Kemi ... Continue
Podcast

433. Question Time: Epstein’s Inner Circle, Ukraine’s Zelensky Backlash, and Destroying the Addiction Economy

Can Zelensky survive a war abroad while fighting enemies at home? What does Epstein’s circle reveal about power, secrets and how justice really works? And, is addiction a personal failure o... Continue
Podcast

Alastair Campbell’s diary: My date with Ghislaine Maxwell

If you had said to me then she might end up attached to a powerful man, able to build and exploit connections wherever he found them, I could well have seen how it may happen... Continue
Article

432. Trump, Starmer, and Gaza: Is The Tide Turning Against Israel?

Will the West turn the tide on Gaza or is it too little, too late? What are the pictures Netanyahu doesn't want Trump to see? Are Israel's aid drops purely performative? Join Rory and Alasta... Continue
Podcast

145. Gary Stevenson: Masculinity, Money, and the Myth of Meritocracy (Part 2)

How did Gary become a multimillionaire by the age of 25? How big a difference can a wealth tax make on regular people's lives? Have centrist politics failed on the economy? Rory and Alastair... Continue
Podcast

431. Question Tine: Netanyahu’s Survival, Deadly Clashes in Syria, and Japan’s Deep State

Is Netanyahu escalating conflict to distract from scandal? How is toxic masculinity taking hold among young men? Is Japan’s youth driving a new wave of nationalism? Join Rory and Alastair ... Continue
Podcast

431. Question Time: Netanyahu’s Survival, Deadly Clashes in Syria, and Japan’s “Deep State”

Is Netanyahu escalating conflict to distract from scandal? How is toxic masculinity taking hold among young men? Is Japan’s youth driving a new wave of nationalism? Join Rory and Alastair ... Continue
Podcast