The Rest Is Politics

21 Aug 2025

440. Question Time: How To Start A Centrist Party

Why do the Lib Dems still fly under the radar? Is Trump quietly setting the stage for an authoritarian takeover? And, why does Alastair swear so much?

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

18 Aug 2025

149. Nicola Sturgeon: On Margaret Thatcher, Alex Salmond, and the Push for Independence (Part 1)

What is the difference between class distinctions in Scotland and the rest of the UK? How did Nicola Sturgeon's childhood in Scotland inform her politics? What was Margaret Thatcher's influence on Nicola's career?

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

164. The Trial of Lucy Letby, the domination of the dollar, and politicians vs. lawyers

Why are lawyers being targeted for taking on immigration cases? How significant is the BRICS 'New Development Bank'? Are left-of-centre western governments more anti-American? Join Rory and ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Real journalism is in decline

The Michelle Mone PPE scandal is a test of trust in modern democracy and needs to be at the forefront of media attention... Continue

32. Miriam González Durántez: Navigating Silicon Valley, the Cameron-Clegg years, and the fight for gender equality

How can we empower young women to seek positions of power? What was it like having a ringside seat during the Cameron-Clegg government? Is there more inequality between the sexes in the UK, S... Continue

163. Question Time: Privatisation vs. Nationalisation

Are UFO sightings a purely English-speaking phenomenon? Should we give more or less praise to privatisation? What's Dominic Cummings up to now?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these ... Continue

162. Small boats, Zimbabwe since Mugabe, and Trump’s anti-mafia indictment

What is the best way to confront the crisis of small boats in the Channel? How has Zimbabwe changed since the rule of Robert Mugabe? Why are the Tories acting like they're in opposition?Join ... Continue

31: Yuval Noah Harari: The dangers of AI and the future of humanity (Part 2)

What makes homo sapiens unique from other living creatures? What will happen to society if artificial intelligence dictates culture? Why have conservative parties the world over “committed ... Continue

161. Question Time: Rebuilding the Tory brand, Macron’s successor, and the militarisation of Mexico

Is the Tory brand damaged beyond repair? Does Macron have a succession plan? What tempts governments to bring in the military?Listen as Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more o... Continue

160. White House or jail? The future of Donald J. Trump

Will Donald Trump end up in prison or back in the White House? Why is the gap between politics and the legal arena becoming ever narrower? Is Net Zero at risk of becoming the new Brexit issue... Continue