21 Apr 2026
524. Starmer’s Mandelson Mess and the Iranian Nuclear ThreatDid 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.
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.
334. 11pm: US Election Countdown Begins
Head to The Rest is Politics Youtube channel now for live coverage of the final twists and turns of the US presidential election, between 8pm-midnight GMT on Tue 5th Nov, again from 5am-9am G... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: I think Trump will lose, but I know he won’t concede
Fuelled by lies and Elon Musk mania, Trump would turn a straightforward democratic event into a legal marathon... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: President Trump. It doesn’t bear thinking about
Historians will analyse this election, and the phenomenon of Trump, for the rest of time... Continue
106. Michael Lewis: Donald Trump, Sam Bankman-Fried, and the future of the USA
What do Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Washington DC all have in common? Why has Donald Trump made the impact he has in the US? What was Sam Bankman-Fried really like to work alongside? Ror... Continue
333. Kemi Badenoch, Tory Party Leader
What should we expect from the new leader of the Conservative Party? Does Badenoch spell trouble for Labour? How will she reflect on her role as the first black woman to lead a major UK polit... Continue