The Rest Is Politics

2 Apr 2026

517. Is Trump Plotting Regime Change in Cuba? (Question Time)

Does Trump already have one eye on regime change in Cuba, as the US faces strategic failure in the Iran war? Who is more dangerous to the world right now, Putin or Netanyahu? Should Starmer be doing more to protect children from the harms of social media, and what does his slow approach to this issue reveal about his style of government?

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

30 Mar 2026

182. Culture Wars, Identity, and What Needs To Change In Congress (Sarah McBride)

How are rights for trans people in the US improving or worsening under the Republican administration? What fundamentally needs to change in Congress to improve the state of politics? Are the Democrats doing enough to win back the American public?

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

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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The unwelcome return of the Brexit grifters

Michael Gove and Boris Johnson are journalists at heart and for years have got away with far more from their own kind as a consequence... Continue

322. Israel vs Hezbollah: Iran’s next move

What does the killing of Hezbollah’s leader mean for the Middle East? Who will be Labour’s next cabinet secretary? How did the far right win in Austria? Join Rory and Alastair as they ans... Continue

100. Anne Applebaum: Corruption, Populism, and Ending the War in Ukraine

What constitutes an autocratic state? How did populism come to dominate global politics from 2012-2014? When and how will the war in Ukraine end? On today’s episode of Leading, Rory and Ala... Continue

321. Question Time: Why do politicians leak to the press?

Was the recent election in Brandenburg really a “huge success” for the far-right AfD? Why are MPs allowed to be on their phones in the House of Commons? And what are Rory and Alastair’s... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: What Keir Starmer must do now

The prime minister must stop giving the media the chance to go into frenzy or outrage mode... Continue