The Rest Is Politics

20 Aug 2025

439. The Pro-Putin President: Are Zelensky and Europe sleepwalking into disaster?

Is appeasing Trump and Putin a recipe for disaster in Europe , or simply a pragmatic approach? Why was JD Vance so silent in Zelensky's second White House visit? With mass protests on the streets of Tel Aviv, is Netanyahu losing the Israeli public — and his own army?

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

18 Aug 2025

149. Nicola Sturgeon: On Margaret Thatcher, Alex Salmond, and the Push for Independence (Part 1)

What is the difference between class distinctions in Scotland and the rest of the UK? How did Nicola Sturgeon's childhood in Scotland inform her politics? What was Margaret Thatcher's influence on Nicola's career?

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: Farewell Jacques Delors

Delors’ political vision was spot on for the time, just as it is now... Continue

53. Seb Coe: Corruption, gender, and the geopolitics of sport

Will doping ever be defeated in sport? What was it like going from world class runner to government whip? Are the Tories finished in Britain?In the first Leading episode of 2024, Rory and Ala... Continue

205. How to combat populism, debating Bill Gates, and David Cameron on the world stage (Part 2)

What stopped the Middle East from descending into regional conflict following the events of October 7th? Why did 2023 see so many coups across the Sahel? Is David Cameron now Rishi Sunak's bi... Continue

204. Scotland’s pivotal role, the moment everything changed, and whether to serve under Starmer (Part 1)

Would Rory serve in a Keir Starmer Labour cabinet? How important is Scotland in the next election? What was the most under-appreciated political moment of 2023?Join Rory and Alastair for an e... Continue

52. Tom Holland: How religion shaped politics and the Western world

Is the West more Christian than it thinks? Why are so many British prime ministers from religious backgrounds? How does the evangelical support for Donald Trump and the culture wars in the US... Continue

203. Question Time: How dangerous is Giorgia Meloni?

Should Joe Biden choose a new running mate? Who is the real Giorgia Meloni? Which reality TV show would Rory and Alastair appear on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com... Continue

202. How Labour should fight the election, taking on the British press, and Orbán’s future far-right axis

Who actually is Michelle Mone? Does Starmer need to be braver in how he respond to attacks from his opponents? How much power does Viktor Orbán have in the EU?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s heroes and villains of 2023

Our diarist gives his personal rundown of who has been good – and who has been bad – over the last 12 months... Continue