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: The most brutal speech I ever heard
We need more great oratory in Westminster, not less... Continue
36. Andy Burnham and Andy Street: A Tale of Two Cities
What is it like to run a metropolitan area? How does devolution impact the citizens of regional areas? Does party affiliation affect the decisions a mayor makes?Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of ... Continue
Politics On the Edge (Extract)
Rory’s book is officially in print! As a Friday bonus, here’s an extract from the audiobook version for you to enjoy. The complete audiobook is available at all good outlets or if you’... Continue
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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