2 Apr 2026
The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking OverWhat 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?
The Rest Is Politics
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
251. The Infected Blood Scandal
Could the bill for the infected blood scandal fall on Labour? What makes politics so bad for mental health? Could Benjamin Netanyahu be arrested for war crimes?Join Rory and Alastair as they ... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: One school’s lesson in hope
It would take a lot more than a change in government to turn around the lives of some of the pupils at The Heath – but it would be a start... Continue
74. Kwasi Kwarteng: Liz Truss, becoming Chancellor, and Britain on the brink (Part 2)
Why did the Tory Party choose to make Liz Truss and Boris Johnson prime minister? How does it feel to be the second shortest-serving chancellor in post-war history? What was the true thinking... Continue
250. Why Trump won’t go to jail
What was it like to visit Michael Cohen behind bars? Why is it almost impossible for Trump to go to jail? How many good working hours does Joe Biden have a day?Join Anthony and Katty for epis... Continue
250. TRIP US: Why Trump won’t go to jail
What was it like to visit Michael Cohen behind bars? Why is it almost impossible for Trump to go to jail? How many good working hours does Joe Biden have a day?Join Anthony and Katty for epis... Continue
249. Question Time: Political honeymoons – how quickly could the public turn on Keir Starmer?
Are we sleepwalking into a crisis that could totally overwhelm our prisons? Why is the South West often forgotten in politics? Why do political honeymoons often come to such abrupt endings? A... Continue
248. Battle lines are drawn: defections, defence, and David Gauke
What is Rishi Sunak’s plan to win back voters? Why has Putin removed his ally as Russia’s defence minister? Has Labour’s embrace of a defecting Tory MP backfired? This week, Alastair is... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Britain’s mental health crisis is real – but Sunak doesn’t care
The prime minister's 'sicknote culture' wrongly blames the mentally ill for the country's economic problems... Continue