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
223. Islamophobia, chaos in the House of Commons, and the North Korean election
What do Lee Anderson’s inflammatory comments mean for the Tory party? Is it possible for Parliament to have a united front on Israel-Gaza? Will North Korea ever collapse?Join Rory and Alast... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Parliament’s lessons from the Commons Gaza vote
An issue as serious as the Israel-Gaza war got lost in arcane parliamentary semantics... Continue
“You took me to one side and said be very, very careful of these people, these neo-cons. Because they’re going to use this to do all sorts of stuff that you shouldn’t be involved in.”...
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Should mobiles be banned from schools and the House of Commons? What is Labour's grand plan for citizens' assemblies really about? Is there growing Russian influence in Britain?Join Rory and ...
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221. The Killing of Alexei Navalny
What happened at the Munich Security Conference? Will Putin ever be held accountable? How will Trump fund his legal problems and a presidential campaign?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer ... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The prime minister is sunk
I'm starting to think the Tories are heading back, not a day too soon, into opposition... Continue
60. Anthony Scaramucci: What it’s like to be Donald Trump’s Communications Director
Would a second Trump presidency be far more right wing? What drives the former US president? Is he trying to do a deal with Taylor Swift?In this week's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair a... Continue
220. Sunak’s by-election disaster, Reform UK gains momentum, and political crisis in Rochdale
Will the rise of Reform UK be the downfall of the Conservatives? How consequential are Labour's by-election victories? Who will win in Rochdale?Join Rory and Alastair for an impromptu Friday ... Continue