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: Kamala Harris returns hope to America

Harris making the most of this opportunity and Trump is, frankly, floundering... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The unstoppable Kamala Harris

Harris is making the most of this opportunity while Trump is, frankly, floundering... Continue

90. Why we should ban all money from politics and kids from social media (Peter Malinauskas)

Are donations the biggest evil in politics? Should children be banned from social media entirely? How much does Australia look to the UK in 2024?On today’s episode of Leading, Rory and Alas... Continue

302. It’s Trump’s Race to Lose

Is Trump setting the stage to reject another loss in November? Why did Kamala Harris sideline Josh Shapiro as her VP pick? What does it mean to be a Republican today?Join Katty Kay and Anthon... Continue

301. Question Time: Iran’s retaliation, Labour “press bias” and an Olympic hangover

Is the press softer on Labour? How left-wing would a Harris/Walz government be? Was MI5 aware of crimes committed by a British agent?And how should France cash in on the Olympic hype?TRIP Plu... Continue

300. Why Ukraine invaded Russia, the Musk-Trump love-in, and Rory’s visit to Afghanistan

Why is Elon Musk lashing out against Scotland’s First Minister? What are the tactics behind Ukraine’s advance on Russia? How worried should we be by China’s relationship with Serbia?Joi... Continue

Lessons from the rise and fall, and most importantly the healing, of Bradley Wiggins. Great cyclist. Great guy. Who just made me shed a tear …

As the Olympic Games come to a spectacular end, and I look back on two wonderful weeks of sport, during which Paris seemed to have taken the same happiness pill London that swallowed three Olympiads ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Fascism has no place in Britain

Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's cries to the far right mob do not represent this country... Continue