The Rest Is Politics

19 Jun 2026

545. Burnham Beats Reform: Britain’s Next Prime Minister?

Has Andy Burnham’s huge victory against Reform in Makerfield shown the Labour Party how it can beat Farage? What does this defeat mean for the right, and how tricky will the coming months be for Andy Burnham? What does the Tory victory against the SNP in Aberdeen mean for British energy policy?

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

15 Jun 2026

193. James Cleverly: Why Has There Been A Radical Shift On The Right?

What does James Cleverly think of Nigel Farage and Reform? How does Cleverly explain his unexpected exit from the Tory leadership race? What could the future of AI in Great Britain look like under different leadership?

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: 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

113. How likely is World War 3? (Ian Bremmer)

What does Musk’s de-facto role as ‘co president’ say about the impact of Big Tech on the disintegration of the international order? How can we approach solving some of the world's bigge... Continue

353. Question Time: Celeb politicians, Chinese spies, and Ireland vs. Israel

Why is Israel shutting its embassy in Ireland? Who is the alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew? Will the UK ever have a Donald Trump-style leader? Rory and Alastair answer all these q... Continue