The Rest Is Politics

6 Aug 2026

560. Trump’s Hamas Disarmament ‘Deal’ and Europe’s FIFA Boycott

As Trump's Board of Peace unveils a plan to disarm Hamas, will the group now give up its weapons and what would this mean for Gaza's future? Amid an escalation of violence on the West Bank and with settlements continuing to grow, why does the US President appear not to care? In the wake of the Gianni Infantino revelations, does the head of FIFA actually hate football?

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

3 Aug 2026

200. Count Binface: Nigel Farage’s Biggest Threat?

Is Count Binface really Nigel Farage's biggest threat in Clacton, and has Farage already lost by turning "me against the establishment" into a battle against a bin? Does Binface's manifesto hide serious politics beneath the comedy? Could a joke candidate ever become a serious political force?

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

101. Alan Johnson: The Prime Minister We Never Had? (Part 1)

How much have the “bleak” post-war years shaped modern Britain? How did growing up parentless and in poverty inspire Alan Johnson’s life choices? And, is Alastair right, could he have b... Continue

323. Question Time: How it feels to become “the story”

Why are so many young men supporting the AFD in Germany? Would Trump be welcome on TRIP? And who, out of the pair, has the best Dame Maggie Smith story? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The unwelcome return of the Brexit grifters

Michael Gove and Boris Johnson are journalists at heart and for years have got away with far more from their own kind as a consequence... Continue

322. Israel vs Hezbollah: Iran’s next move

What does the killing of Hezbollah’s leader mean for the Middle East? Who will be Labour’s next cabinet secretary? How did the far right win in Austria? Join Rory and Alastair as they ans... Continue

100. Anne Applebaum: Corruption, Populism, and Ending the War in Ukraine

What constitutes an autocratic state? How did populism come to dominate global politics from 2012-2014? When and how will the war in Ukraine end? On today’s episode of Leading, Rory and Ala... Continue

321. Question Time: Why do politicians leak to the press?

Was the recent election in Brandenburg really a “huge success” for the far-right AfD? Why are MPs allowed to be on their phones in the House of Commons? And what are Rory and Alastair’s... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: What Keir Starmer must do now

The prime minister must stop giving the media the chance to go into frenzy or outrage mode... Continue

320. Labour’s struggle to define itself, Hezbollah vs. Israel, and understanding Long Covid

Does Starmer’s government lack a strategic vision? Are we on the brink of a wider war in the Middle East? Why has society turned a blind eye to those living with Long Covid? Join Rory and A... Continue