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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212. Why Trump’s return wasn’t inevitable

How much do you know about the Russian propaganda forced on the population in occupied Ukraine? Where did it all go so wrong for Ron DeSantis? What on earth is going on in Germany with the fa... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: There’s room for hope in British politics

In every election since 2010, fear has beaten hope but change is on the horizon... Continue

56. Bill Gates: Conspiracy theories, AI, and the politician he most admires

How does one of the richest men in the world run a business? Is artificial intelligence going to be as big as the Windows PC? What politicians does Bill Gates admire? Bill Gates joins Rory an... Continue

211. Question Time: Taiwan’s new president, Macron’s successor, and the difference between Tories and Conservatives

How did Ecuador’s notorious gang leader escape from prison? What does Taiwan’s new anti-Beijing president mean for the country’s future? When is it right for MPs resign?Listen to Rory a... Continue

Margaret Thatcher would send Jenrick packing PDQ

On the podcast interview with Gillian Keegan that I wrote about earlier this week, I said to her that I felt the government of which she was a member was doing things that even Margaret Thatcher woul... Continue

210. Is the Middle East sliding into a wider regional conflict?

Should there have been a vote on the UK airstrikes in Yemen? How has the Post Office scandal moved from activism to politics, and could there be another Conservative leader before the electio... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Sunak is no different from his predecessors

Where is the “integrity and accountability” the prime minister promised?... Continue

The perils of interviewing serving politicians

First of all, welcome to my new, or at least revamped, website. It was starting to look a bit old and tired, perhaps channelling how I tend to feel in January, so I asked for a little refresh. I must... Continue