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

Alastair Campbell’s election diary: Labour cannot avoid the elephant in the room

To pretend we can become the fastest growing economy in the G7 – Labour’s No 1 mission – without addressing how to recover from Brexit risks undermining it... Continue

268. The Tories’ ‘taxtopia’ attack, Macron’s gamble, and the politics of football

How worried should Labour be about voter apathy? What is 'taxtopia'? Why is Liz Truss being brought up in the French election?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell for the latest episode of... Continue

80. Bridget Phillipson: Can we save Britain’s schools?

Is there a class system in the UK? What is the State's role in redistributing wealth in society? How did Jeremy Corbyn's leadership impact Red Wall voters? Shadow Secretary of State for Educa... Continue

79. Nadhim Zahawi: Iraq, Conservatism, and why he backed Boris Johnson

What does the former Chancellor make of the current Conservative election campaign? What was his experience escaping Saddam Hussein's Iraq? And does he stand by his support of Boris Johnson a... Continue

267. If Trump wins, what actually happens to America?

From killing wild horses to banning the abortion pill, join Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay as they take a deep dive into Project 2025 - the very long MAGA wish list, on today's episode of T... Continue

267. TRIP US: If Trump wins, what actually happens to America?

From killing wild horses to banning the abortion pill, join Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay as they take a deep dive into Project 2025 - the very long MAGA wish list, on today's episode of T... Continue

266. Labour vs Conservatives: What do their manifestos reveal?

How do the Labour and Conservative party manifestos compare? What are the key policies that will swing votes? What are the Greens and Liberal Democrats proposing in their manifestos? Join Ror... Continue

265. Starmer vs Sunak – Round 2: Who won ‘The Battle For Number 10’?

Rory and Alastair give their immediate reaction to the Sky News leaders event. Who won, and, more importantly, will it have changed anyone’s vote? Plus, how would Rory and Alastair have ans... Continue