The Rest Is Politics

9 Mar 2026

510. How The Iran War Is Spiralling Into a Global Crisis

Has Trump unleashed a sequence of events nobody in the world can control? How serious are the global consequences? Is this war even more dangerous than the Iraq war?

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

9 Mar 2026

179. President Stubb: Trump’s Unlikely Best Friend

How did President Stubb’s golfing talent lead him to fostering a close relationship with President Trump? Why was ‘Prime Minister’ the worst job ever? Why will the Global South define the new world order? 

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 election diary: Sunak’s D-day disaster will define his campaign

Are Sunak’s advisers so politically inept that they could not see the enormity of the own goal they were about to score?... Continue

264. Rishi Sunak’s defining moment

Could Farage engineer a reverse takeover of the Tory Party? Why has Emmanuel Macron called a snap election? Are Labour losing votes to the Greens?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell for t... Continue

78. David Blunkett: Education, policing immigration, and the future of the Labour Party (Part 2)

What challenges did David Blunkett face as Home Secretary following 9/11? Does he have any regrets relating to his crime and punishment policies? What does the future look like for Keir Starm... Continue

263. Donald Trump, Silicon Valley and Wall Street: Big Money’s Deal with the Devil

Why are Wall Street and Silicon Valley weighing in behind Donald Trump? Is it true that Joe Biden and Bill Ackman almost got into a fist fight? What's going on at the Mexican border?Join Katt... Continue

263. TRIP US: Donald Trump, Silicon Valley and Wall Street: Big Money’s Deal with the Devil

Why are Wall Street and Silicon Valley weighing in behind Donald Trump? Is it true that Joe Biden and Bill Ackman almost got into a fist fight? What's going on at the Mexican border?Join Katt... Continue

How to fight the populists

First, we have to admit we have a problem... Continue

Political education, political education, political education … time to get serious

Pretty much anyone with a passing interest in politics, including people who weren't around at the time, are aware of Tony Blair's "Education, Education, Education" mantra. It was designed to indicat... Continue

262. Modi loses his majority, Sunak takes on the Treasury, and Welsh Labour in crisis

Where next for India after Modi loses his majority? How should Starmer have dealt with Sunak’s Labour tax claim? Is Rory going to vote Lib Dem on July 4th?Hear the answer to all these quest... Continue