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

14 Sep 2026

206. How Putin’s War Changed Finland Forever (Sanna Marin)

Following Putin's war in Ukraine, how politically challenging was it committing Finland to join NATO? What was it like becoming the world's youngest sitting prime minister at 34? Why did a scandal over dancing at a private party become a national and international story?

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.

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220. Sunak’s by-election disaster, Reform UK gains momentum, and political crisis in Rochdale

Will the rise of Reform UK be the downfall of the Conservatives? How consequential are Labour's by-election victories? Who will win in Rochdale?Join Rory and Alastair for an impromptu Friday ... Continue

219. Question Time: Vladimir Putin’s strategy, Labour’s selection headache, and VAT on private schools

Will Azhar Ali still stand as a Labour candidate in the Rochdale by-election? How revealing was Tucker Carlson's interview with Vladimir Putin? Why do politicians seem to see apologising as a... Continue

218. Could the Democrats replace Joe Biden? What’s next for Imran Khan? Why are young people deserting British conservatism?

What do Trump’s Nato threats mean for Europe? Could Pakistan’s military have the final say in the election? Why are young people turning against the Conservatives in Britain? Join Rory an... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Laura Trott’s car crash economics get a free ride

The reaction to her catastrophic interview would have been inescapable if Trott were a Labour minister... Continue

59. Robert Sapolsky: The psychology behind Donald Trump, the science of stress, and the illusion of ‘free will’

Why do we get stressed? What are the psychological differences between conservatives and liberals? Is free will a myth?Rory and Alastair are joined by scientist Dr Robert Sapolsky to answer a... Continue

Into the Lions’ Den of private education … to a friendlier reception than I expected

I very rarely get nervous before speaking in public, but confess to feeling a little more anxious than usual this morning, ahead of a speech to the Independent Schools' Bursars Association. Three hun... Continue

217. Question Time: How to cover Israel-Gaza, Labour’s £28bn green investment, and Taylor Swift vs Donald Trump

Why is Labour rolling back its pledge on green investment? What does Biden’s sanction against Israeli settlers mean in reality? Who is our one listener in Tuvalu?Rory and Alastair answer al... Continue

216. King Charles, Sunak’s £1000 bet, and the future of North Korea

How was a deal finally agreed to get power sharing back in Northern Ireland? Is Rishi Sunak focusing too much on his media appearances? Why has Kim Jong Un said unification with the South is ... Continue