The Rest Is Politics’ Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart interview politicians, leaders, intellectuals, and more. From inside and outside of politics, guests join Rory and Alastair to discuss life, leadership, and the philosophy that’s led them to success in their chosen field. Their conversations cover key political events, global affairs, and the big ideas shaping the world today, offering listeners in-depth perspectives from those at the heart of change. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
What this show covers
UK politicsBrexitUS politicswealth taxinequalitydefenceforeign policyEU relationsPolitical transparencyAndy BurnhamKeir StarmerPalestine Actionsmall boatsfaith and public dutyShabana Mahmood
What listeners will find here
Andy Burnham on Starmer, Europe, transparency and the politics of outrage
Andy Burnham joins Alastair and Rory for a wide-ranging political conversation touching on Britain’s relationship with the EU, transparency after the Manchester City meetings row, and whether the UK should respond to a planned US livestreamed execution. It looks set to mix big constitutional questions with the emotional pressures of modern politics.
Shabana Mahmood on Palestine Action, small boats, faith and Labour power
Shabana Mahmood joins Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell to tackle the legality of banning Palestine Action, the limits on returning small boats to France, and whether faith can sit alongside public duty in British politics. It promises a wide-ranging conversation at the heart of government.
Mustafa Suleyman on whether AI can remain under human control
Artificial intelligence, autonomy, and legal status are at the center of this conversation with Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. Rory Stewart presses him on whether advanced models can stay subordinate, whether constitutional guardrails create new risks, and how society should think about AI rights.
Gordon Brown on crisis leadership, social fracture, and rebuilding global cooperation
Gordon Brown joins Rory and Alastair to reflect on leading the UK through the global financial crisis, the decline of civic belonging, and what that means for politics today. The episode also looks at how middle powers might work together to balance the influence of China and the USA.
Sanna Marin on NATO, leadership at 34, and the party scandal that went global
Finland’s turn toward NATO after Putin’s war in Ukraine sits at the center of this conversation with former prime minister Sanna Marin. It also explores her rise to office at 34 and the private-party dancing scandal that became an international political story.
