The Rest Is Politics

31 Dec 2025

483. The Future of British Politics, How The World Order Is Changing, and The Power of History

What does this year look like for the future of British politics? How is the global order going to be reshaped? And will the power of historical narratives become even stronger this year?

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

29 Dec 2025

168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership

Can the planet sustain infinite economic growth, or is GDP a flawed metric? Is the UK genuinely decarbonising, or is it simply outsourcing its pollution? How can politicians defeat the populist narrative that Net Zero is too expensive?

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

464. Labour’s Tax Timebomb, Climate Backsliding, and Sudan’s Forgotten War

Is this the Budget that breaks Labour, or can Reeves walk the tightrope? Why does the general public increasingly think we’re overreacting to climate breakdown? Why aren’t Elon Musk’s p... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Elon Musk’s role in funding fascism

What Musk calls free speech, I call the promotion of fascism. The Tesla CEO needs to leave our politics alone... Continue

The Monster He Made: Murdoch, Trump, and the Price of Power

What was the nature of the relationship between Fox News and Donald Trump? What, or who, caused Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng to end? What were the consequences of Fox News promotin... Continue

The Monster He Made: Murdoch, Trump, and the Price of Power (Part 4)

What was the nature of the relationship between Fox News and Donald Trump? What, or who, caused Rupert Murdoch's marriage to Wendi Deng to end? What were the consequences of Fox News promotin... Continue

160. Michael Gove: Education, Brexit, and Trump (Part 2)

What is Michael Gove's lasting legacy on education in the UK? Would he have come to his position on Brexit if it weren't for Dominic Cummings? Is Nigel Farage's Reform a better chance for the... Continue

463. Question Time: How Truth Became Optional In Trump’s America

How serious are Trump’s hints about serving a third term? Is the US sleepwalking into a civil war? And does the Labour Party really understand rural Britain?  Join Rory and Alastair as t... Continue

462. Starmer Hits Rock Bottom: Will He Break His Manifesto to Survive?

What does Labour’s unprecedented collapse in Wales really mean? If Putin takes Ukraine, which European neighbour is next? What can Starmer learn from Ireland’s new president, Catherine Co... Continue

159. Michael Gove: My Journey From Left to Right (Part 1)

How did Michael Gove go from campaigning for Labour leader Michael Foot in 1983 to becoming a Conservative MP? What is the impact that Rupert Murdoch has had on public life? What do Michael a... Continue