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.

Latest

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

22: Kate Raworth: Doughnut economics and thriving in balance

In the 21st century, the impact of financial and environmental crises can be felt by all. But how do we marry the nature of the economy with the ever depleting means of the planet? Rory and A... Continue

139. BORIS JOHNSON RESIGNS

In an emergency podcast, Rory and Alastair react to the news that Boris Johnson is standing down as a Conservative MP with immediate effect after an investigation into the Partygate scandal f... Continue

138. Question Time: The Bullingdon Club, democracy vs. capitalism, and overcoming foot-and-mouth

Should Rory and Alastair switch allegiance to the Liberal Democrats? Why is there no happy news? What was handling the foot and mouth disease crisis like? Listen to Rory and Alastair answer t... Continue