The Rest Is Politics

23 Apr 2026

525. JD Vance vs. the Pope and the Far-Right Funding Machine (Question Time)

Why do Trump and JD Vance keep arguing with the Pope about theology? Who is funding the British and European far-right? As nationalism grows in Scotland and Wales, did devolution make this inevitable?

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

20 Apr 2026

185. Can Labour Win Back Scotland? (Anas Sarwar)

Does the Leader of Scottish Labour regret calling for Keir Starmer to resign over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador? In the upcoming election, would he consider putting Scottish Labour into a coalition with the Reform Party to defeat the SNP? How does he plan to tackle the rise of Islamophobia and the politics of despair that are increasingly gripping Scotland and the UK?

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

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

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