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.

Latest

55. Gillian Keegan: The future of British schools, union ‘barons’, and Sunak’s Rwanda battle

What's it like to be the Secretary of State for Education who left school at 17? How much power do unions really have in British politics? What's it like to become a Tory MP when your family ... Continue

209. Question Time: What happens when privatisation goes wrong?

Is it possible to be politically active as a civil servant? How did private finance initiatives contribute to the Post Office scandal? Is a transfer of power possible in Myanmar?Listen to Ro... Continue

208. History’s warning to Labour, the Post Office scandal, and Bangladesh’s battle for power

? Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅How should the fallout of the Post Office scandal ... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Don’t let David Cameron off the hook

Rishi Sunak emulates Boris Johnson more than Cameron, but the foreign secretary is far from blameless... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: In defence of David Cameron

Boris Johnson undid many of the former PM's well-intentioned moves... Continue

54. Guy Verhofstadt: Is there a case for a European army?

What's it like to run Belgium for a decade? How many people in the EU actually believe in 'ever-closer union'? What are the pros and cons of being a career politician?On today's episode of Le... Continue

207. Question Time: Fighting British corruption, Japan’s economic conundrum, and a Premier League team in Belfast

Should Labour create an anti-corruption department if it wins the next election? How great a threat does AI pose to elections in 2024? Is soft power as important as Britain thinks it is?Liste... Continue