The Rest Is Politics

30 Jul 2026

Data Centres vs. Drinking Water: What Matters To Us Most?

To hear the full episode, which includes an interview with global water expert, Sandra Postel, sign up at the therestispolitics.com

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

3 Aug 2026

200. Count Binface: Nigel Farage’s Biggest Threat?

Is Count Binface really Nigel Farage's biggest threat in Clacton, and has Farage already lost by turning "me against the establishment" into a battle against a bin? Does Binface's manifesto hide serious politics beneath the comedy? Could a joke candidate ever become a serious political force?

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

426. Corbyn’s Comeback, Musk’s New Party and The Broken SEND System

Is Corbyn’s new party a bold move — or a boost for the Tories? Can Labour fix SEND — or are vulnerable kids being left behind? Is Bosnia ready for the EU — or is Europe looking away a... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: How to understand Donald Trump

The chaos he inflicts on the world is perplexing, but his behaviour has clear patterns... Continue

425. Israel, Gaza, and the Definition of Genocide

Is the Israeli government creating a prison camp for Palestinians in Rafah? Why did the BBC drop its documentary investigating Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system? How is Tru... Continue

142. The Truth About Net Zero’s Credibility (Emma Pinchbeck)

Why are the British paying more for energy than anywhere else in Europe? How does society navigate the anxiety of having children during the climate crisis? What does the UK government need t... Continue

424. The Real JD Vance: From Never Trumper to Vice President (Part 3)

How do you go from calling Donald Trump “Hitler” to becoming his most loyal ally? Why did JD Vance abandon the thoughtful, Christian conservative image that made him famous? And what does... Continue

423. Question Time: Glastonbury’s Israel fallout, New York’s socialist mayor and why NATO called Trump ‘daddy’

Has ‘impartiality’ become a cover for moral failure in Palestine? Why does Trump want a Nobel peace price? And, why is the head of NATO calling Trump "daddy"? Join Rory and Alastair as t... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: After one year in office, here’s what Starmer needs to do now

After a tricky first year, the prime minister has built strong relationships with leaders of other counties. But now he must fix with one he has with his MPs... Continue

422. Things Can Only Get Better? Starmer’s Stormy First Year

What have the Labour government achieved since the general election one year ago? What are the hardest challenges Keir Starmer must face? How has Donald Trump monetised the Presidency of the ... Continue