23 Jan 2026
493. Trump Insults NATO TroopsWhy has Trump chosen to denigrate the sacrifice of allied soldiers? Are Keir Starmer and other NATO leaders finally reaching a breaking point with the US President? And what does this mean for the future of the Western alliance at such a critical moment?
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.
19 Jan 2026
171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)Whilst an early career MP, why did Neil Kinnock rebel against the Labour Party so regularly? As Labour leader, how did Kinnock take on militant and the ‘ultra-left’ within the Labour Party? What regrets does Kinnock have about the way he responded to the Miners’ strikes?
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.
327. Question Time: What does peace look like in the Middle East?
What is the point of the House of Lords today? Does Elon Musk have presidential ambitions? How bad do Downing Street comms have to get before Alastair steps in?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue
326. Labour’s first 100 days, the Tory leadership race, and Japan
How have the first 100 days of the new Labour government gone? Who will be the next leader of the Tory party? What is happening in Japanese politics right now?Join Rory and Alastair as they a... Continue
102. Alan Johnson: From Blair to Starmer – What can Labour learn? (Part 2)
How does militant socialism compare to Corbynism? How did Labour’s ‘remain’ campaign go so wrong? And what should Labour be doing about immigration? On today’s episode of Leading, Ro... Continue
325. Question Time: Are the Tories dead or sleeping?
How many civilian casualties is too many: what defines a proportionate war? What makes a good civil servant according to Alastair and Rory. And, why should children learn how to disagree agre... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: It’s about emotion, Starmer, not economics
If Labour can restore a sense of community, it will reap as much political benefit as any amount of good economic data... Continue
324. Israel at War: One Year On
How has the political landscape of the Middle East changed in the year since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel? Why has Keir Starmer reshuffled his top team? Is “the grid” still ... Continue
101. Alan Johnson: The Prime Minister We Never Had? (Part 1)
How much have the “bleak” post-war years shaped modern Britain? How did growing up parentless and in poverty inspire Alan Johnson’s life choices? And, is Alastair right, could he have b... Continue
323. Question Time: How it feels to become “the story”
Why are so many young men supporting the AFD in Germany? Would Trump be welcome on TRIP? And who, out of the pair, has the best Dame Maggie Smith story? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer... Continue