The Rest Is Politics

2 Apr 2026

The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking Over

What is populism, and why is it so attractive to voters? Which human instincts do populists tap into to get votes? And what does a populist-led country look like?

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

316. Why Kamala Harris Still Has a Problem

What does Kamala Harris need to do next? How would Republicans react to a Trump loss? Would Harris ever debate Trump on Fox News?Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all these... Continue

315. Question Time: Should we fine people for missing doctor’s appointments?

Is conflict brewing on the Horn of Africa? Should we fine people for missing hospital appointments? And, why do escalators pose an existential threat to Alastair? Join Rory and Alastair as th... Continue

314. Trump stumbles – but did Harris miss her chance?

Will Tuesday’s US presidential debate be remembered as a turning point in the campaign? Why was Donald Trump so off-message? Did Kamala Harris miss the chance to destroy the MAGA movement o... Continue

314. Trump stumbles – but did Harris see him off?

Will Tuesday’s US presidential debate be remembered as a turning point in the campaign? Why was Donald Trump so off-message? Did Kamala Harris miss the chance to destroy the MAGA movement o... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: At home with Michel Barnier

In 2023, we visited the Barniers at home. I would never have predicted that a year later he’d become Macron’s prime minister... Continue

313. Why Starmer needs to be unpopular

Can Labour make the unpopular popular? Will any change come from the Grenfell inquiry? How worrying is China’s influence in Africa? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions... Continue

97. How to fight fake news and strengthen democracy (Audrey Tang)

Is technology destroying democracy, or can it be used to strengthen it? How did Taiwan improve public trust in politicians by 60%? Could the NHS be transformed by digital consultaions for the... Continue

312. Is America Ready for Gun Reform?

How has Donald Trump tied him self in knots over abortion? Why is there a growing gender divide in politics? Has Kamala Harris reached the end of her honeymoon period?Join Katty Kay and Antho... Continue