25 Jan 2026
What If the AI Revolution Isn’t Real?Is AI a revolution, or just another slow-moving general technology? Are we mistaking hype for inevitability? And, can a technology this unreliable really reshape civilisation?
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
26 Jan 2026
172. Neil Kinnock: Trump, Thatcher, and Why Labour Lost In 1992 (Part 2)Why did Neil Kinnock believe the fight against Margaret Thatcher was an existential one? What would Kinnock do to tackle the threat posed to Labour by reform? Why did Labour lose the 1992 election?
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.
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Has Slovakia got the new Orbán? How can Liz Truss save the west? Is Starmer’s popularity weaning?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell as they answer all these questions and more on toda...
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170. Prison escape, a test for Australian democracy, and spooks in Westminster?
What was it like for Rory as a prisons minister when prisoners escaped? Are there Chinese spies working in Westminster? What's happening with The Voice referendum in Australia?Join Rory and A... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Westminster’s back-to-school omnishambles
London’s school-run traffic is reminiscent of a Tory government that takes a long time to get nowhere... Continue
35. Cathy Ashton: Dealing with Putin and Lavrov, Kosovo–Serbia, and ‘radical humility’
How do we retain empathy when negotiating with a stranger who has a radically different worldview to our own?As the former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Cathy Ashton... Continue
Do MPs talk enough about their mental health? What will be the outcome of Australia’s Indigenous Voice Referendum? Should politics be a compulsory part of primary education? Join Alastair ...
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168. Crumbling Britain, a ruthless reshuffle, and Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘beautiful ears’
Who’s to blame for the UK’s crumbling infrastructure? Has Starmer’s shadow cabinet reshuffle strengthened his hand? Why is Rory such a fan of Jeremy Corbyn’s ears?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Mental health is a vote-winner
A clear plan from Labour on how to repair the damage the Tories have done to our mental health services will reap enormous political dividends... Continue
34. Ed Davey: Leading the Lib Dems, fighting the Tories, and a coalition with Starmer’s Labour?
What was it like for the Liberal Democrats in coalition? Would Ed Davey be prepared to work alongside Keir Starmer in another coalition government? Is tactical voting a good idea? Join Rory a... Continue