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

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: One school’s lesson in hope

It would take a lot more than a change in government to turn around the lives of some of the pupils at The Heath – but it would be a start... Continue

74. Kwasi Kwarteng: Liz Truss, becoming Chancellor, and Britain on the brink (Part 2)

Why did the Tory Party choose to make Liz Truss and Boris Johnson prime minister? How does it feel to be the second shortest-serving chancellor in post-war history? What was the true thinking... Continue

250. Why Trump won’t go to jail

What was it like to visit Michael Cohen behind bars? Why is it almost impossible for Trump to go to jail? How many good working hours does Joe Biden have a day?Join Anthony and Katty for epis... Continue

250. TRIP US: Why Trump won’t go to jail

What was it like to visit Michael Cohen behind bars? Why is it almost impossible for Trump to go to jail? How many good working hours does Joe Biden have a day?Join Anthony and Katty for epis... Continue

249. Question Time: Political honeymoons – how quickly could the public turn on Keir Starmer?

Are we sleepwalking into a crisis that could totally overwhelm our prisons? Why is the South West often forgotten in politics? Why do political honeymoons often come to such abrupt endings? A... Continue

248. Battle lines are drawn: defections, defence, and David Gauke

What is Rishi Sunak’s plan to win back voters? Why has Putin removed his ally as Russia’s defence minister? Has Labour’s embrace of a defecting Tory MP backfired? This week, Alastair is... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Britain’s mental health crisis is real – but Sunak doesn’t care

The prime minister's 'sicknote culture' wrongly blames the mentally ill for the country's economic problems... Continue

73. Kwasi Kwarteng: Boris Johnson, the British Empire, and Rwanda (Part 1)

"If I were 22 now, I probably wouldn't vote Conservative" - Kwasi KwartengIn the first of two episodes with the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rory and Alastair speak to Kwasi about the ... Continue