The Rest Is Politics

14 Aug 2025

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? 

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

11 Aug 2025

147. I Thought It Was a Prank – Then I Was Chancellor: Jeremy Hunt (Part 2)

What was it like to be handed the reins to the economy following the Liz Truss mini-budget collapse? How did Jeremy Hunt feel fighting an election that he knew the Conservatives would lose? How would Thatcher have dealt with Trump? 

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: At home with Michel Barnier

In 2023, we visited the Barniers at home. I would never have predicted that a year later he’d become Macron’s prime minister... Continue

313. Why Starmer needs to be unpopular

Can Labour make the unpopular popular? Will any change come from the Grenfell inquiry? How worrying is China’s influence in Africa? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions... Continue

97. How to fight fake news and strengthen democracy (Audrey Tang)

Is technology destroying democracy, or can it be used to strengthen it? How did Taiwan improve public trust in politicians by 60%? Could the NHS be transformed by digital consultaions for the... Continue

312. Is America Ready for Gun Reform?

How has Donald Trump tied him self in knots over abortion? Why is there a growing gender divide in politics? Has Kamala Harris reached the end of her honeymoon period?Join Katty Kay and Antho... Continue

311. Question Time: Should Labour ban smoking?

Is Brazil right to suspend X? Why have the press been calling our Deputy PM ‘Angela Raver’? And what is the history of No. 10’s Larry the Cat? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue

310. The rise of Germany’s far-right

Who will be the next French Prime Minister? How serious is the threat of Germany’s far right? Should school inspections scrap single-word reviews? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Scottish independence has lost its salience

The issue was conspicuously absent from speeches at the SNP conference... Continue

96. Frank Luntz: The World’s Most Prolific Pollster

Can a pollster be apolitical? What issues are the American people most interested in Kamala Harris and Donald Trump tackling? How can politicians communicate their message most effectively? R... Continue