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: To undo the damage, we need to understand WHY people voted for Brexit

The key to winning Leave voters over to our side is not to tell them they were wrong, but that the liars in charge let them down. And the dial is shifting... Continue

25: Michael Ignatieff: Fighting Orban’s Global Conservative Cabal

What's it like to know how your obituary will read? What makes the democratic system the best for fighting against climate change? How does politics change a person, whether they like it or n... Continue

147. Question Time: The next global superpower, a royal panic, and Rory on Austerity

How did Rory get stuck in the royal panic room? Why do Labour politicians attend Murdoch parties? Which country will be the next global superpower?Rory and Alastair answer all these questions... Continue

146. Putin vs. Prigozhin, the power of Lebedev, and the battle for Southeast Asia

Is this the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin? Did Boris Johnson overrule MI6 during his time as Prime Minister? Will Sunak be able to control inflation?Rory and Alastair answer these ... Continue

24: John Major: The Gulf War, Black Wednesday, and Populism (Part 2)

What was it like fighting New Labour? Why did Black Wednesday happen? How did Ian McKellen help bring the campaign for gay rights into Downing Street?Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all... Continue

145. Putin under threat as Wagner mutiny

As Wagner Group mercenaries led by Yevgeny Prigozhin apparently rebel against the Russian Army, what impact could this have on the war with Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s position as presiden... Continue

Alastair Campbell: Question Time and an audience full of Leavers

The Brexit-voting audience was friendly and open to argument – but why was there no one from the government on the panel?... Continue

144. Question Time: The War On Drugs, a Tory Green Party, and Long Covid

Is class still the biggest dividing line in Britain? Why do we not hear enough about the impact of Long Covid? Would the Green Party ever shift to the right? On today’s Question Time pod, ... Continue