The Rest Is Politics

11 Mar 2026

511. Is Blair Undermining Starmer on Iran? (Question Time)

Why is Tony Blair criticising Starmer’s approach to Trump’s warmongering in the Middle East? Should European leaders be calling out Trump’s lies more directly? What is actually unfolding inside Iran right now?

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

9 Mar 2026

179. President Stubb: Trump’s Unlikely Best Friend

How did President Stubb’s golfing talent lead him to fostering a close relationship with President Trump? Why was ‘Prime Minister’ the worst job ever? Why will the Global South define the new world order? 

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

207. Question Time: Fighting British corruption, Japan’s economic conundrum, and a Premier League team in Belfast

Should Labour create an anti-corruption department if it wins the next election? How great a threat does AI pose to elections in 2024? Is soft power as important as Britain thinks it is?Liste... Continue

206. How to fix the honours system, chaos in the Red Sea, and Taiwan at a crossroads

What should we make of Liz Truss's resignation honours? How does Iran use proxies to attack the US and Israel? Why was the election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo so expensive?Join R... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Farewell Jacques Delors

Delors’ political vision was spot on for the time, just as it is now... Continue

53. Seb Coe: Corruption, gender, and the geopolitics of sport

Will doping ever be defeated in sport? What was it like going from world class runner to government whip? Are the Tories finished in Britain?In the first Leading episode of 2024, Rory and Ala... Continue

205. How to combat populism, debating Bill Gates, and David Cameron on the world stage (Part 2)

What stopped the Middle East from descending into regional conflict following the events of October 7th? Why did 2023 see so many coups across the Sahel? Is David Cameron now Rishi Sunak's bi... Continue

204. Scotland’s pivotal role, the moment everything changed, and whether to serve under Starmer (Part 1)

Would Rory serve in a Keir Starmer Labour cabinet? How important is Scotland in the next election? What was the most under-appreciated political moment of 2023?Join Rory and Alastair for an e... Continue

52. Tom Holland: How religion shaped politics and the Western world

Is the West more Christian than it thinks? Why are so many British prime ministers from religious backgrounds? How does the evangelical support for Donald Trump and the culture wars in the US... Continue

203. Question Time: How dangerous is Giorgia Meloni?

Should Joe Biden choose a new running mate? Who is the real Giorgia Meloni? Which reality TV show would Rory and Alastair appear on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com... Continue