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
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: For Labour, it’s all to play for
Polling suggests that a victory for the party at the next general election could be anything from a coalition to a landslide... Continue
38. Theresa May: Windrush, police, and the cult of personality (Part 1)
What is Theresa May’s biggest regret from her time as Home Secretary? Why was the Hillsborough disaster such an abuse of power? What’s it like to stay on as an MP after occupying the hi... Continue
175. Question Time: The Power of Rupert Murdoch
What is Rupert Murdoch's legacy in the world of media and politics? What did Rory discuss with First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf? Why have there been protests within the Metropolitan P... Continue
174. Scrapping HS2, ‘Ukraine fatigue’, and ‘Vive le Roi!’
Is Angela Rayner more popular than Keir Starmer? What’s going on in Poland and why is one of Ukraine's strongest allies seemingly waning in its support? Why do the French love King Charles?... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Rishi Sunak brought the Tories to a new low
Sunak's U-turn on the environment makes Boris Johnson and Liz Truss appear honest and capable... Continue
What is it like going from cabinet minister to Prime Minister? Are politicians in New Zealand more courteous than politicians in the UK? Why was New Zealand's Covid-19 response so effective?F...
Continue
Was Keir Starmer right to expel Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party? Why is sex education causing protests in Belgium? How would Tony Blair's Labour cope in 2023?Join Rory Stewart and Alastai...
Continue
172. Liz Truss returns, Putin’s Western puppets, and Rory at the United Nations
What have we learnt on the first anniversary of Britain's catastrophic experiment with Trussonomics?Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss Libya, the United Nations General Assembly, Putin's ... Continue