The Rest Is Politics

25 Dec 2025

482. A Trumpian Year, the Politics of Hope and Highlights of 2025

What surprised Rory and Alastair most about 2025? Why does Trump's presidency feel even more chaotic than expected? And who gets their vote for campaigner of the year?

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 Dec 2025

167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams)

From Parliament to Prison, how can people find calm in chaotic environments? How does one cope with grief during the festive period? What are some successful ways to combat depression?

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

144. Question Time: The War On Drugs, a Tory Green Party, and Long Covid

Is class still the biggest dividing line in Britain? Why do we not hear enough about the impact of Long Covid? Would the Green Party ever shift to the right? On today’s Question Time pod, ... Continue

143. The world looks to Beijing, Putin vs. Africa, and Rory’s sliding Brexit doors

What have we learnt from Brexit, 7 years on? Has Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing eased tensions between China and the US? What is Africa’s role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict?Join Rory a... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Why John Major is right about Boris Johnson

Going forward, the less we hear from and of Johnson, the better for all of us... Continue

23: John Major: From Brixton to Downing Street (Part 1)

Why is Sir John Major a Tory? How did he make it from Brixton to 10 Downing Street? What was it like to witness the fall of Margaret Thatcher first hand?In the first of two episodes, Rory and... Continue

142. Is this the end for Boris Johnson?

In a damning report, Boris Johnson has been condemned for lying to parliament over parties held in Downing Street during the pandemic.In today's emergency bonus episode, Rory and Alastair deb... Continue

141. Question Time: Labour greatest hope, what a Trump presidency would mean for Ukraine, and should we ban vaping?

What would a Trump victory in 2024 mean for the war in Ukraine? Should the UK government take action on vaping? Is Labour pursuing the 'ming vase' strategy?Join Alastair and Rory as they answ... Continue

140. Johnson and Sunak at war, Sturgeon’s arrest, and the death of Silvio Berlusconi

Are we on the brink of Tory civil war? What is the legacy of Silvio Berlusconi? Why has China pivoted to Latin America?Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more.TRIP ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: To go or not to go to Clacton, that is the question

BBC Question Time is marking seven years of Brexit with an audience made up entirely of 2016 Leave voters. Wish me luck...... Continue