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.

195. Question Time: Is Sunak’s Rwanda plan doomed to fail?

Why was Sam Altman fired from OpenAI? Would a secret ballot have saved a soft Brexit? What options are left for Rishi Sunak after supreme court’s Rwanda ruling?Join Alastair and Rory as the... Continue

23 November 2023

194. Autumn statements, Putin’s progress, and why advertisers are pulling out of X

How does inheritance tax work? How have voters reacted to the ceasefire vote? Are Putin's prospects improving in the Russia-Ukraine war?Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss all this and mor... Continue

22 November 2023

193. What makes the Tory right so powerful?

Why do the ERG and the right wing of the Tory party hold so much power over their leadership? Could a universal basic income work? How often do Rory and Alastair think about the Roman Empire?... Continue

16 November 2023

192. What David Cameron’s return means for Israel-Gaza

What does David Cameron's appointment as Foreign Secretary mean for the UK's policy towards Israel and Palestine? What happened at the pro-Palestinian and against antisemitism marches? Has pr... Continue

15 November 2023

191. Braverman sacked and Cameron returns

The emergency pod button has been pushed as David Cameron returns to politics and Suella Braverman has been sacked.TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podc... Continue

13 November 2023

190. Question Time: Should WhatsApp messages stay private?

What makes Parliament the most poisonous place to work? Should MPs listen to their SpAds? Was the Freedom of Information Act a mistake?Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these question... Continue

9 November 2023

189. The King’s Speech, performative cruelty, and Argentina

How have voters responded to President Biden's intervention in the Middle East? Was Sunak's summit on AI a success? Who will be the next Argentinian president?Join Rory and Alastair as they d... Continue

8 November 2023

188. Question Time: What the Covid Inquiry says about Britain

Does Britain’s relationship with the USA prevent independent decision making? What does conservatism mean to Jordan Peterson? How do you disagree agreeably about politics with your partner?... Continue

2 November 2023

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.