2 Apr 2026
The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking OverWhat is populism, and why is it so attractive to voters? Which human instincts do populists tap into to get votes? And what does a populist-led country look like?
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
6 Apr 2026
183. From Bradford to Westminster: Faith, Identity, and Power (Naz Shah)How did Naz Shah’s experience growing up in Bradford and her experience with her family in the legal system influence her to go into politics? What does it mean for a political party to truly “stand for something” in modern Britain? How can faith influence politics in a secular society? Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour MP, Naz Shah, to discuss all this and more.
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
181. Israel, invasion, and the trap laid by Hamas
Does Hamas actually want Israel to invade Gaza? Is there a danger that this tragic situation will strengthen the hand of the ultra-nationalist Israeli right? How should the international comm... Continue
180. Question Time: Is Suella Braverman pretending to be right-wing?
Would Keir Starmer embrace proportional representation? Is the Tory right just a group of political entrepreneurs using their hardline views to climb the greasy pole? Is a wealth tax the only... Continue
179. Is Keir Starmer ready to be Prime Minister?
Is Labour ready for government? What's causing the SNP malaise? Did an AI deepfake video contribute to the outcome of the Slovakian election?Join Rory and Alastair for today's episode of The ... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: What Labour should do next
This week, Keir Starmer needed to show, in policy terms, how life in Britain would change if he became prime minister... Continue
How did Hamas launch one of the largest invasions on Israeli territory in recent history? What happens now? Will this conflict have geo-political ramifications throughout the Middle East?Join...
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39. Theresa May: Donald Trump, David Cameron, and ‘Brexit means Brexit’ (Part 2)
Why did Theresa May prefer Gordon Brown to Tony Blair as a Prime Minister? Does the former PM have any regrets over Brexit? How did things unfold behind the scenes after the Salisbury pois... Continue
177. Question Time: A new centrist party, mafia politics in New Jersey, and was Jesus a socialist?
How corrupt is US politics? Will we see a new centrist party in the UK? How did Tony Blair overcome nerves at the dispatch box? Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell as they answer all thes... Continue
176. Can the Tory Party be saved?
What actually happens behind the scenes at a Conservative or Labour Party Conference? What would it take to get the Conservative Party back to the centre-ground? What is going on between Koso... Continue