23 Apr 2026
525. JD Vance vs. the Pope and the Far-Right Funding Machine (Question Time)Why do Trump and JD Vance keep arguing with the Pope about theology? Who is funding the British and European far-right? As nationalism grows in Scotland and Wales, did devolution make this inevitable?
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.
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Life on the road with The Rest is Politics
We asked our listeners at the 02 whether Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick should be the next Tory leader. The response was bleak for both candidates... Continue
328. Could Russia interfere in the US election?
Will the killing of the Hamas leader change the course of the war in Gaza? What is Labour’s plan for the NHS? Could Elon Musk be found guilty of buying votes? Join Rory and Alastair as they... Continue
103. Archbishop of Canterbury: Faith, mental health, and the future of the Church
What does the Archbishop of Canterbury suggest for bridging divides in conflict zones? What are the Church doing about declining spirituality? How was it leading the country through the death... Continue
327. Question Time: What does peace look like in the Middle East?
What is the point of the House of Lords today? Does Elon Musk have presidential ambitions? How bad do Downing Street comms have to get before Alastair steps in?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue
326. Labour’s first 100 days, the Tory leadership race, and Japan
How have the first 100 days of the new Labour government gone? Who will be the next leader of the Tory party? What is happening in Japanese politics right now?Join Rory and Alastair as they a... Continue
102. Alan Johnson: From Blair to Starmer – What can Labour learn? (Part 2)
How does militant socialism compare to Corbynism? How did Labour’s ‘remain’ campaign go so wrong? And what should Labour be doing about immigration? On today’s episode of Leading, Ro... Continue
325. Question Time: Are the Tories dead or sleeping?
How many civilian casualties is too many: what defines a proportionate war? What makes a good civil servant according to Alastair and Rory. And, why should children learn how to disagree agre... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s diary: It’s about emotion, Starmer, not economics
If Labour can restore a sense of community, it will reap as much political benefit as any amount of good economic data... Continue