The Rest Is Politics

11 Sep 2025

448. Question Time: Mandelson’s Epstein Disgrace, Kirk’s Assassination, and Trump’s Illegal Boat Strike

Why did Peter Mandelson become so mesmerised by the rich and famous? What does Charlie Kirk’s assassination mean for the future of American politics? Is Trump trying to start a fake war with Venezuela?

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

8 Sep 2025

152. “A War on Children”: A Generation in Gaza at Risk (James Elder)

Why is the humanitarian situation in Gaza the worst that James Elder has ever seen? What does the process of rebuilding Gaza look like? How do the people working on the ground not lose hope? 

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

64. Caroline Lucas: Leading the Green Party, leaving politics, and the importance of protest

How hard is it to be a one person party in parliament? What can the left learn from the populist right? Could electoral reform actually help Keir Starmer?On today's episode of Leading, Rory ... Continue

63. Sajid Javid: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Shamima Begum (Part 2)

What is Sajid's biggest regret from his time in politics? What barriers did he come up against in the Shamima Begum case during his time as Home Secretary? Will the NHS survive?Rory and Alast... Continue

226. Question Time: Google vs OpenAI, the new Portuguese populist, and why do dictators hold elections?

What happened with Google's AI chatbot 'Gemini' this week? Should incarcerated people have the right to vote? What is the point of dictators like Vladimir Putin or Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hold... Continue

225. George Galloway returns, ‘omnishambles’ budgets, and the plight of Sudan

How did George Galloway use Gaza to win in Rochdale? What is the impact of compulsory voting on Australian politics? What is happening in Sudan?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: China’s useful idiots are on the rise

We allow Russia and China far greater access into our media ecosystems than we can gain into theirs, which gives them a huge asymmetric advantage... Continue

62. Sajid Javid: Austerity, the Tory leadership contest, and the problem with ‘islamophobia’ (Part 1)

How are politicians working to combat anti-muslim and antisemitic racism in the UK? How does Sajid maintain friendships across party lines? Was austerity the only option for the Conservatives... Continue

224. Question Time: Liz Truss’ ‘deep state’ comments, disability policy, and Shamima Begum

Is it fair that Shamima Begum has been declared stateless? Should Labour prioritise disability policy more? Has taxpayers money paid for Liz Truss' trip to the Conservative Political Action C... Continue

223. Islamophobia, chaos in the House of Commons, and the North Korean election

What do Lee Anderson’s inflammatory comments mean for the Tory party? Is it possible for Parliament to have a united front on Israel-Gaza? Will North Korea ever collapse?Join Rory and Alast... Continue