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.
369. Question Time: China’s DeepSeek, Ambassador Mandelson, and misogyny in politics
What’s the danger of China’s DeepSeek? Why are male and female politicians still treated differently? Are politicians right to appease leaders they don’t agree with?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: How I remember John Prescott
At the late former deputy prime minister’s funeral, it became clear that Britain could do with some politicians like him today... Continue
367. Rory vs JD Vance, recording from Damascus, and Trump’s tariffs
Why are Rory and Alastair in Damascus? What’s going on with JD Vance? Has there been a twist in the German election?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.The Re... Continue
119. Tommy Vietor: How Democrats can fight Trump
How did Barack Obama become President? What was Hillary Clinton's huge mistake in 2016? How corrupt really is American politics today?Pod Save America host and former Barack Obama speechwrite... Continue
366. Question Time: Why do dictators bother with sham elections?
What stops billionaires spending their money in their lifetime? How can you stay engaged with politics without sacrificing mental health? Who are the hidden actors in the Israel/Gaza conflict... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Finding a ray of hope in Trump’s dark new era
At Davos, Nigerian-American Salome Agbaroji's poetry urged leaders not to cower in the face of populism... Continue
365. Trump’s Mafia World Order
How many ‘early warning signs of fascism’ are we seeing in the US? Has Trump delivered a fatal blow to America’s soft power around the world? Why does Alastair admire Prince Harry and h... Continue