The Rest Is Politics

22 Jun 2026

546. Keir Starmer Resigns: What Happens Next?

What does Keir’s Starmer’s exit as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party mean for the UK? After his thumping victory against Reform UK last week, will Andy Burnham face a contest or a coronation on his path to becoming the country’s seventh prime minister since the Brexit referendum? What challenges will Burnham face in his attempt to turn things around for Labour and last longer than his predecessors?

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

22 Jun 2026

194. Is Putin Losing his Grip on Russia?

With war fatigue growing and polls showing increasing dissatisfaction with life in Russia, is Vladimir Putin beginning to lose control? What is really happening inside Russia today? And what is it like to report the truth from inside one of the world's most repressive states?

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

The Solutionists, with Mark Scott

Alastair Campbell on broken politics, the Iraq War, and why he’s grateful for his breakdown. ... Continue

70. Sadiq Khan: Faith, power, and the truth about Boris Johnson

How much power does the Mayor of London actually have? Have we moved forward - or backwards - as a country when it comes to religion in politics? Should London take a leaf out of New York's b... Continue

238. Question Time: Liz Truss, climate change deniers, and why print media is so polarised

What actions can government take to mitigate the impact of smartphones on the mental health of children? What are the advantages and disadvantages of voting for an independent Mayor? With all... Continue

237. Iran, Israel, and the Middle East: Stopping the slide into all-out war

How will Israel respond to Iran’s attack? What is Joe Biden’s long-term plan for Ukraine? What has Liz Truss' new book revealed about her short spell in Downing Street?Join Rory and Alast... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The Mail is hiding scandals of its own

The paper’s attacks on Angela Rayner reek of hypocrisy and double standards... Continue

69. The brutal truth about net zero and how to vanquish climate populists, with Dieter Helm

Is net zero 2030 impossible to achieve - and is it a mistake to pursue it? Should governments be more brutal with climate investment? Are events like COP a waste of time?Rory and Alastair are... Continue

236. Question Time: The fight to be Donald Trump’s VP nominee

Who will Trump pick as his running mate? How much do you know about ‘Project 2025’? What’s the story behind Angela Rayner’s tax affairs?Join Rory and Alastair for TRIP Question Time a... Continue

Sunak looks like he is toast, but too many don’t knows for Labour to get complacent

A new development for The Rest Is Politics podcast this week: we have tied up with JL Partners, a polling company Rory Stewart first got to know well when running for London Mayor, and who also did t... Continue