The Rest Is Politics

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.

Leading

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.

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