The Rest Is Politics

11 Sep 2025

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 with Venezuela?

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

8 Sep 2025

152. “A War on Children”: A Generation in Gaza at Risk (James Elder)

Why is the humanitarian situation in Gaza the worst that James Elder has ever seen? What does the process of rebuilding Gaza look like? How do the people working on the ground not lose hope? 

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: What Keir Starmer must do now

The prime minister must stop giving the media the chance to go into frenzy or outrage mode... Continue

99. Team of Rivals: Blair, Brown and the secrets of New Labour (Douglas Alexander)

What was the rivalry between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown really about? How easy is it to find work as an ex-politician? What can the Labour Party do going forward to strengthen the UK's relat... Continue

319. TRIP US: The Only State Trump Needs to Win

*To hear the full episode, search The Rest is Politics US wherever you get your podcasts.*How far do voters trust Donald Trump? Should the US have mass deportations? Are Republicans really be... Continue

318. Question Time: Does America really care about the ‘special relationship’?

Why has Turkey decided to join BRICS? Is New York Mayor, Eric Adams, in trouble? And what happens when the mics are turned off?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and mo... Continue

317. How to save the NHS

How are Labour planning to reform the NHS? Are the West being too slow to help Ukraine? Should social media be banned for children? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions a... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The Tories broke Britain

It is part of Labour's challenge to make sure the public never forget this reality... Continue

98. Nate Silver: Can we predict who will win the 2024 US election?

Who is going to win the 2024 election? What is the relationship between playing professional poker and betting on politics? Why has Elon Musk endorsed Donald Trump? Alastair and Rory are joi... Continue

316. Why Kamala Harris Still Has a Problem

What does Kamala Harris need to do next? How would Republicans react to a Trump loss? Would Harris ever debate Trump on Fox News?Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all these... Continue