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

290. JOE BIDEN DROPS OUT

What happens next as Joe Biden withdraws from the 2024 US presidential race? Should the Democrats have an open convention? Would Kamala Harris be able to take on Donald Trump? Rory and Alasta... Continue

86. Nick Clegg: Coalition, Cameron, and Chaos (Part 1)

What closed-doors conversations led to the 2010 coalition? What were the coalition years like? How did it all go wrong for the Liberal Democrats in 2015? Rory and Alastair are joined by Nick ... Continue

289. The Week Trump Won?

What does Trump’s new running mate mean for the direction of the Republican Party? Have the Democrats given up on a 2024 win? Is there anything now that can stand in Trump’s way?Join Katt... Continue

289. TRIP US: The Week Trump Won?

What does Trump’s new running mate mean for the direction of the Republican Party? Have the Democrats given up on a 2024 win? Is there anything now that can stand in Trump’s way?Join Katt... Continue

288. Is Labour’s King’s Speech bold enough?

What legislation did Keir Starmer's government put forward in the state opening of Parliament? Do the bills go far enough? Where does Labour go from here? Alastair is joined by Robert Peston ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Erdoğan’s hold could be weakening

Despite the president’s propaganda machine, Turkish people appear confident that their democracy is strong enough to vote him out of office... Continue

287. Trump’s VP, Labour vs. China, and the King’s Speech

How has a man who once called Trump ‘America’s Hilter’ now become his running mate? What does a Labour government mean for UK-China relations? Will China define how Gaza will be governe... Continue

85. Lisa Nandy: Making Britain a cultural superpower

What responsibilities will Lisa Nandy take on as the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport? Why was this the most toxic election campaign she has fought? How has the importance... Continue