The Rest Is Politics

29 May 2026

Who Funds Reform? The Missing Millions

Who is the secretive billionaire bankrolling Reform — and what does he want? How did a brand new party raise and spend £17 million with no public explanation? As Farage inches toward power, who's really pulling the strings?

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

25 May 2026

190. How the Media Still Misunderstands Trump (Tina Brown)

Why does Trump understand the media better than the media understands him? Are tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos more dangerous to journalism than Rupert Murdoch ever was? What did Tina Brown see change in Trump from the '80s to now, and when did he turn "dark"?

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: The bizarre truth about my own vetting for No 10

Hours after being grilled by an ex-military man, I ran into him again - in very strange circumstances... Continue

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 Labo... Continue

523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?

Can Starmer survive if it emerges he was previously told about Mandelson's failed vetting? Is he developing a pattern of blaming others when things go wrong? Will this lead Labour MPs to start questio... Continue

Beating Populism: How To Fight Back

Are we living in a 1930s moment in history? How can leaders fight back against populism? And is Franklin D Roosevelt the answer? Join Alastair Campbell and Liam Byrne for part 2 of their discussion o... Continue

522. Has Hungary Shown Britain How to Beat Farage? (Question Time)

Is Trump's brand now toxic for the global far-right populist movement? Why are crypto billionaires pouring millions into Reform UK? Are we witnessing the death of two-party politics across not just En... Continue

521. Trump’s Naval Blockade: Is America Becoming a Rogue State?

As Trump unleashes yet more global economic turmoil with his aggressive Strait of Hormuz blockade, is he creating a state of ‘permanent emergency’ and reshaping the world order in ways nobody can ... Continue

520. Orbán Ousted: Is The Tide Turning Against Far-Right Populism?

Does Hungary ousting its far-right prime minister prove rightwing populists and autocrats can be beaten around the world, from Trump and Farage to Netanyahu and Milei? Does JD Vance have the midas tou... Continue

Orbán is out – and now the world knows another way is possible

The autocrat’s defeat is a blow to Trump, Putin - and populists like Nigel Farage... Continue