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

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Brexiteers won’t talk about the B-word

If Brexit was going well, we would never hear the end of it. Instead, there's an omertà on the subject... Continue

30: Anthony Joshua: Responding to failure, Saudi Arabia, and Tyson Fury

From raving and "wheeler-dealing" to heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua's story is unmissable. Listen to Rory, Alastair and AJ talk about the culture of boxing, socialism, how ... Continue

The Rest Is Football (Trailer)

NEW PODCAST: THE REST IS FOOTBALLJoin Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards for a new podcast bringing strong opinions on all the latest stories from the world of football.Hosted by t... Continue

159. Question Time: Sweden’s Quran-burning crisis, Farage vs. the banks, and what is ‘the establishment’?

What would Rory do if he was Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs? Are we paying Nigel Farage too much attention? Should MPs be allowed to rebel against their party? Listen to hear Rory and... Continue

158. Sunak’s net zero culture war, Africa’s ‘coup belt’, and a new strategy for the German far-right

Why are Rishi Sunak and other politicians of the right looking to weaponise net zero? How should the international community respond to the rising number of coups across the Sahel? Can electi... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: We have not had a serious media in the UK for years

Instead, we have dumbed-down political and commercial interests masquerading as purveyors of news, lurching from one spasm to another... Continue

29: Yuval Noah Harari: Crisis and tragedy in Israel (Part 1)

‘We are facing spiritual and moral destruction.’ Is Israeli democracy facing the most dangerous moment in its history? Yuval Noah Harari joins Rory and Alastair to discuss his first-hand... Continue

157. Question Time: Knocking over Liz Truss, Oxbridge dominance, and life under the Taliban

Should MPs be able to vote electronically? Is Oxbridge as dominant as it used to be in British society? Are opinion polls just the junk food of political journalism?Join Rory and Alastair as ... Continue