The Rest Is Politics

21 Apr 2026

524. Starmer’s Mandelson Mess and the Iranian Nuclear Threat

Did Starmer show a fatal lack of judgement and curiosity about Peter Mandelson’s suitability for public office? How and why did Trump destroy years of successful Iranian nuclear ‘containment’ policy? Four years into the Sudan war, what does the failure of peace efforts reveal about the unravelling of the world order?

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

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.

Latest

358. Question Time: Political translators, Boris Johnson, and politicians to watch in 2025

What are Rory and Alastair's funny translation stories? Could Boris Johnson ever have a comeback? And are there any politicians to watch out for in 2025?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer... Continue

357. Political New Year’s resolutions, Elon Musk, and what happens next in Taiwan?

What should Labour’s new year resolution be? How worried should we be about Elon Musk? Could China move on Taiwan in 2025? Join Rory and Alastair in this New Year's Day special episode to h... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Even for politicians, death is the great leveller

The prime minister should be spared social media's grief voyeurism as he mourns the loss of his brother... Continue

114. The future of Wales (Eluned Morgan)

How did Morgan’s upbringing as the daughter of a priest set her off on a path to become Welsh First Minister? What does a former member of the European Parliament think happened with Brexit... Continue

356. Georgia, Russia, and the fight for democracy – An interview with the President of Georgia

Will Georgia’s President accept the inauguration of her successor on the 29th of December? If she does, will Georgia be handed over to Russia? Is there a way back to Europe for the country?... Continue

355. How to start a campaign, Giselle Pelicot, and the biggest surprise of 2024

Why has the environment fallen off the political agenda? What events caught geopolitical experts off guard in 2024? And, what advice would Alastair give to anyone looking to start their own c... Continue

355. How to start a campaign, Gisele Pelicot, and the biggest surprise of 2024

Why has the environment fallen off the political agenda? What events caught geopolitical experts off guard in 2024? And, what advice would Alastair give to anyone looking to start their own c... Continue

354. Nigel Farage, dad-dancing populists, and the worst politician of the year

Who was the worst politician of the year? What was the biggest political moment of 2024? What was the most under-discussed moment of the year? Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss all this... Continue