17 Apr 2026
523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?Can Starmer survive if it emerges he was previously told about Mandelson's failed vetting? Is he developing a pattern of blaming others when things go wrong? Will this lead Labour MPs to start questioning their leader ahead of crucial local elections?
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.
20 Apr 2026
185. Can Labour Win Back Scotland? (Anas Sarwar)Does the Leader of Scottish Labour regret calling for Keir Starmer to resign over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador? In the upcoming election, would he consider putting Scottish Labour into a coalition with the Reform Party to defeat the SNP? How does he plan to tackle the rise of Islamophobia and the politics of despair that are increasingly gripping Scotland and the UK?
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.
386. Trump’s ‘Bomb Yemen’ Group Chat
Is America now conducting ‘stag do diplomacy’? Is Turkey still a democracy? What will Rachel Reeves do in her Spring Statement?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions an... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Putin’s dirty tricks campaign
Whether or not they were involved in the Heathrow fire, the Russians revel in the mayhem their hybrid actions cause... Continue
126. Israel, Gaza, and the United Nations (Francesca Albanese)
What role does the UN play in the Occupied Palestinian territories? What is the responsibility of Western media when it comes to covering issues surrounding Israel and Palestine? How did Fran... Continue
385. Question Time: Trump, Putin, and the Future of Ukraine
How likely is an all-out win for Putin? What do Saudi Arabia and UAE think about Trump? What is behind the protests in Serbia?Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all of this and more.The Re... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: The hard right will tear itself apart
The idea that Nigel Farage could be prime minister is laughable when he is struggling to hold his party together... Continue
384. Labour’s War on Welfare, Trump’s Tariff Secret, and Britain’s Fight for Farming
What sort of deal-maker is Trump? Are Labour Serious About Social Justice? And, can MPs afford to lose the farmers vote?Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all of these questions and more.Â... Continue
125. Peter Kyle: AI, grief, and the power of Elon Musk
5 consecutive UK Prime Ministers have declared that the UK will become an AI Superpower, why is Keir Starmer any different? Why does no one have ‘big ideas’ anymore? And, how did Peter Ky... Continue
383. Question Time: Farage vs. Reform, is Labour still socialist, and how to ‘out-Trump’ Trump
What’s going on inside Reform UK? Should Europe expel Hungary from the EU? Is there anything socialist left about Labour?Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all of this and more.The Rest ... Continue