The Rest Is Politics

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?

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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Introducing… The Rest Is Money

Does money really make the world go round? Economics, business and finance have long been subjects we leave to the stockbrokers, hedge fund managers and business school professors who spend t... Continue

167. Question Time: How to rig an election, Scotland’s golden goose, and the least impressive president of all time

How did Mnangagwa win the Zimbabwe election? Who is the least impressive world leader Rory and Alastair have met? What makes a good political memoir?Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell as... Continue

166. Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, and absolute populist power

What will happen to Wagner operations in Africa now that Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead? How dangerous is Modi's rhetoric for India and the world? Who has had a bigger impact on the constituents o... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Vladimir Putin’s belligerence must not be underestimated

The world, including myself, missed tell-tale signs that Putin was the murder machine and enemy of liberal democracies he’s proved to be... Continue

33. Mustafa Suleyman: Will AI save or destroy humanity?

How much do you really know about the dangers of AI? Is it the best hope we have of surviving as a species, or will it lead to the destruction of humanity?On today's episode of Leading Alas... Continue

165: Question Time: Populism in Portugal, texting David Cameron, and a challenger to Trump?

Is Portugal the exception to the populist wave? Are reshuffle rumours ever to be trusted? How possible is a one-nation Tory revival?Listen as Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and ... Continue

164. The Trial of Lucy Letby, the domination of the dollar, and politicians vs. lawyers

Why are lawyers being targeted for taking on immigration cases? How significant is the BRICS 'New Development Bank'? Are left-of-centre western governments more anti-American? Join Rory and ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Real journalism is in decline

The Michelle Mone PPE scandal is a test of trust in modern democracy and needs to be at the forefront of media attention... Continue