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

Sunak’s new campaign plan revealed

The Conservatives know their best hope of avoiding a wipeout is to stir up apathy... Continue

The Tory voter suppression strategy

The bad news is that it’s beginning to work... Continue

These bloody opinion polls are now the biggest threat to a decent Labour majority that allows them to get stuff done

I am beginning to think that the Grant Shapps' invention of a Labour 'supermajority' was not as daft as I thought at the time. Daft, I thought then, because he was effectively throwing in the towel o... Continue

271. Is Biden really losing Hispanic and Black voters?

Why are Black and Hispanic voters increasingly warming to Donald Trump? How will Trump and Biden prepare for their first debate? What is Biden’s plan to give legal status to 500,000 undocum... Continue

271. TRIP US: Biden really losing Hispanic and Black voters?

Why are Black and Hispanic voters increasingly warming to Donald Trump? How will Trump and Biden prepare for their first debate? What is Biden’s plan to give legal status to 500,000 undocum... Continue

270. Will Israel go to war with Hezbollah?

How important is Putin’s visit to North Korea? What will the consequences be of a war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon? How worrying is Germany’s far-right problem? Join Alastair a... Continue

269. Question Time: Orban in person, Biden’s fragility, and the subtle art of focus groups

Just how beneficial are focus groups to political parties? Will Biden's age cost him the US election? And why does Alastair hate vox pops so much?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell as th... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s election diary: Labour cannot avoid the elephant in the room

To pretend we can become the fastest growing economy in the G7 – Labour’s No 1 mission – without addressing how to recover from Brexit risks undermining it... Continue