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

22 Jun 2026

194. Is Putin Losing his Grip on Russia?

With war fatigue growing and polls showing increasing dissatisfaction with life in Russia, is Vladimir Putin beginning to lose control? What is really happening inside Russia today? And what is it like to report the truth from inside one of the world's most repressive states?

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

349. The Fall of Assad: What’s next for Syria?

Who are the Syrian rebels that have captured the capital? Why has the Assad regime collapsed so quickly? What's next for Syria, and the Middle East? Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell a... Continue

348. Syria, Afghanistan, and The Rest Is Classified

It has been thirteen years since Bashar al-Assad triggered a civil war which would kill hundreds of thousands of people and devastate Syria. Recent events have shown just how far his rule ha... Continue

347. Question Time: Biden’s Pardon is Unforgivable

Is Starmer right to dismiss the two million people calling for a general election? What are Georgia’s chances of EU integration? And, if they were heading up British Intelligence, how much ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Navalny’s daughter will haunt Putin

The 23-year-old hopes to, one day, return to Russia and hep make it a free country. She's certainly her father's daughter... Continue

346. The Battle for Syria

Who are the Syrian rebels who have attacked Aleppo? Will Keir Starmer's reset be enough to convince the public? Why is the French government on the brink of collapse?Join Rory and Alastair as... Continue

110. Chris Patten: Conservatism, China, and the future of democracy

As the last Governor of Hong Kong, what are Chris Patten's reflections on the city’s trajectory since the handover in 1997? How can the West improve it's relationship to China? What role do... Continue

345. TRIP US: The Golden Age of Corruption

Is the United States entering a new age of corruption? Why are Democrats staying silent? What will be different about a second Trump term?This week, Anthony Scaramucci is joined by Alastair C... Continue

344. Question Time: Should MPs vote with their conscience or constituents?

Is there anything wrong with being an isolationist government? How far has ‘woke’ been weaponised by the far-right? Will Rory ever go on reality TV? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer ... Continue