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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Fascism has no place in Britain

Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's cries to the far right mob do not represent this country... Continue

89. David Davis: The danger of Farage and the battle for the soul of the Tory Party

Does David Davis still think Brexit has been a success? Was he wrong on gay marriage and the death penalty? Is meritocracy in Britain now a thing of the past?Alastair and Rory are joined by f... Continue

299. The Secret Behind Trump’s Silence

Has Kamala Harris chosen the right person as her running mate? Why has Donald Trump stayed quiet in response? How much do celebrity endorsements impact elections?Join Katty Kay and Anthony Sc... Continue

298. Question Time: Venezuela’s fate, Hezbollah’s response, and how prisoner swaps really work

What impact have US sanctions had on Venezuela? Is Tom Tugendhat a Tory Keir Starmer? How should Hezbollah respond to attacks without risking domestic support?Rory and Alastair answer all the... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The Trump-Vance ticket is laughable

Ironically, the Trump campaign is trying to paint Kamala Harris’s likeability as a joke... Continue

297. Far-right chaos, Harris’ running mate, and Bangladesh’s power vacuum

What is fuelling the far-right riots spreading across England? Who is Kamala Harris’ new running mate? Why has Bangladesh’s prime minister fled the country?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue

88. Bush and Iraq, being J.D. Vance’s boss, and why Trump loses (David Frum)

What was George W Bush like behind closed doors? Why did Trump really choose ‘never-Trump guy’ JD Vance as his running mate? How can Kamala Harris win the election?Rory and Alastair are j... Continue

296. Could Donald Trump drop out?

What will the impact be of Trump's nightmare week? Will he make it to polling day? Why do evangelicals stick by him no matter what?Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all the... Continue