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
20: Jonathan Powell: How to negotiate with terrorists
The role of Downing Street Chief of Staff was created for him, and he was the only senior advisor to last the whole period of Tony Blair's premiership - but who is the real Jonathan Powell, a... Continue
Should we start building on the Green Belt? Is there a fun side to politics? Why don't ministers resign anymore without being pushed?Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and mor...
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133. Suella’s speeding, Japan in focus, and what’s the point of the G7?
How was the G7 formed, and what is the point of it today? What will the consequences be for Suella Braverman following her speeding scandal? How does religion influence politics?Join Alastair... Continue
19: Leo Varadkar: Ireland’s Taoiseach on NATO, China, and Joe Biden
How does the Irish Taoiseach feel about Brexit? Would Leo Varadkar consider himself a Tory in the English parliamentary system? Does Ireland have a problem with alcohol?Leo Varadkar speaks to... Continue
Have you heard? Alastair has written a book! 'But What Can I Do?' is out now.As a Friday bonus, here's an extract from the audiobook version for you to enjoy.To hear the whole audiobook, you ...
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132. Question Time: How to reform prisons, Macron vs. Clinton, and what is the Privy Council?
Was Hillary Clinton arrogant in her comments about Emmanuel Macron? What's the best way to reform UK prisons? How much do you know about sporrans?Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all... Continue
131. Erdoğan fights on, ‘Clause IV on steroids’, and the fall of military rule
What next for Turkey? How does Starmer aim to reform Labour? Why should we be paying attention to events in Thailand?Tune in to hear Rory and Alastair discuss all this and more on today's epi... Continue
18: George Osborne: Austerity, Boris Johnson, and the UK’s next Prime Minister
Does George Osborne regret leaving politics? Does he think Sunak can win the next general election? What did he admire about New Labour, Tony Blair, and Gordon Brown?Tune in to today's episod... Continue