The Rest Is Politics

11 Jun 2026

542. Starmer Loses His Defence Secretary: What Next?

What does John Healey's shock resignation mean for Keir Starmer, whose position is already on the line ahead of Andy Burnham's crunch by-election in Makerfield? Who might replace Healey in one of the most important jobs in government, at one of the most dangerous moments in the UK's history? With NATO allies demanding higher spending on defence and Trump's America growing ever more unpredictable, can Britain afford a government at war with itself over military spending?

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.

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Leading

15 Jun 2026

193. James Cleverly: Why Has There Been A Radical Shift On The Right?

What does James Cleverly think of Nigel Farage and Reform? How does Cleverly explain his unexpected exit from the Tory leadership race? What could the future of AI in Great Britain look like under different leadership?

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.

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Latest

393. Question Time: America’s last ally, Japan in crisis, and Netanyahu on the brink?

Why were two Labour MPs denied entry to Israel? What led to the impeachment of South Korea’s president? Is there a decline in blue-collar MPs?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all of th... Continue
Podcast

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Vive la France, à bas JD Vance!

If Trump and his vice-president have a genius for anything, it’s global media dominance... Continue
Article

392. Trump’s Rampage: The Fight Against Global Crisis

What’s really behind Trump’s tariff madness? Are we watching the US slide into authoritarianism in real time? How should Europe and the world fight back?Join Rory and Alastair as they ans... Continue
Podcast

128. Whips, Chaos, and secrets from Westminster (Simon Hart)

Why do the wrong people become MPs? How can we transform Westminster into a modern day workplace? How did Simon Hart’s time at The Countryside Alliance inform his politics? Rory and Alasta... Continue
Podcast

391. Trump vs. the World: Global Trade War

What happens next? Is this the start of a global recession? How should allies hit back?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a m... Continue
Podcast

390. Question Time: India’s moment, Qatargate, and do young brits want a dictator?

How should Starmer respond to the 27% of young people who would prefer to live in a dictatorship? Could India become a third power, rivalling the US and China? And, why do politicians never e... Continue
Podcast

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Dear Rachel, here’s a big idea for you

No matter how loudly we call for a return to the customs union and the single market, Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer are not going to listen... Continue
Article

389. Trump, Vance, and How the US Invades Greenland

America vs. the Arctic - is this the end for NATO? Should Marine Le Pen still be allowed to run for president? Will Australia adopt Trump-style politics, or can Albanese buck the trend?Join R... Continue
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