The Rest Is Politics, Episode 468

Title: Starmer in Crisis: Sabotage From Within? (Question Time)
Date: November 12, 2025
Hosts: Alastair Campbell & Rory Stewart

Episode Overview

This episode of The Rest Is Politics centers on a turbulent week for UK Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, exploring the internal dynamics and possible sabotage within his team amidst rumors of a leadership challenge. Campbell and Stewart navigate this breaking story with their signature mix of insider insight and candid disagreement, before fielding listener questions on votes for 16/17-year-olds, youth political engagement, the climate crisis, women’s safety in politics, African democracy (with a focus on Tanzania), and the legacy of Dick Cheney.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Starmer Leadership Crisis: Internal Sabotage or Genuine Threat?

[02:08 – 16:16]

• Breaking News Context: Reports suggest a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer potentially led by Health Secretary Wes Streeting post-budget, with speculation swirling around internal briefings from No.10.

• Alastair Campbell’s Analysis

  • Suggests the story was not an organic press leak, but deliberately "inserted" by someone high up in Starmer’s team or No.10, potentially to strengthen Starmer by forcing opponents to deny plotting against him.
  • Criticizes the apparent playground politics in Downing Street and a lack of compelling narrative from the government:

    “Downing street is not a playground. Downing street is… the center of our government.” (Campbell, 07:03)

  • Expresses anger at the destabilizing effect on Labour MPs and ministers, who are confused and frustrated by the lack of clear strategy:

    “…really senior people in the government were saying, I honestly don’t have a clue.” (Campbell, 10:20)

• Rory Stewart’s Perspective

  • Struggles to make sense of No.10’s strategy:

    “…for bears of small brain…I read the newspaper and I think, ugh, now he seems really weak.” (Stewart, 09:30)

  • Highlights how Starmer’s current popularity (“net popularity rating of minus 52”) means anything encouraging doubts is dangerous:

    “This is exactly the wrong time to do it…you’re going to weaken [Starmer]” (Stewart, 11:36)

  • Quotes his mother’s Conservative fatigue:

    “Darling, we cannot keep getting rid of prime ministers like this. This is ridiculous.” (Stewart, 08:23)

• Memorable Moment

  • Campbell’s hypothetical response to staff briefing without reference to the PM:

    “Assuming that’s the first time you’ve done that, which I suspect it isn’t, it is now the last time. Cheerio. I would not piss about.” (Campbell, 14:14)

2. Political Education and Lowering the Voting Age

[16:23 – 24:22]

• Question from Gabriel, Year 12 Politics Student: On improving political education and news literacy for young people, especially as voting age may be lowered.
• Debate on Votes at 16/17:
  • Rory: Initially skeptical young people are ready for voting, seeing widespread cynicism and distrust in institutions (“slightly nihilistic worldview”).
  • Alastair: Advocates not just for votes at 16, but a parallel rise in political education and debate. Discusses Peter Hyman’s report, “Inside the Mind of a 16 Year Old,” finding hope and optimism among teens—more questioning and informed diversity of thought than often assumed.

    “…one of their conclusions is actually this sort of moral panic which suggests that they’re all hungrily absorbing…fake news…just isn’t borne out.” (Campbell, 18:18) “84% are optimistic that they will have better opportunities than their parents have.” (Campbell, 23:40)

3. Women’s Safety in Politics: The Mexico Incident

[24:23 – 26:48]

• Incident Recap: Mexico’s president was publicly groped and is taking legal action—sparking nationwide debate about security, machismo culture, and femicide.
• Alastair:
  • Highlights the symbolism—if this happens to the president, the risks are even higher for everyday women.
  • Sheds light on femicide crisis: “98% of gender-based murders go unpunished in Mexico.” (Campbell, 25:12)
• Rory: Notes contrast in security approaches and the precedent this sets in Latin American politics.

4. African Democracy in Retreat: Tanzania as a Case Study

[26:48 – 33:04]

• Question (Anonymous): Post-election violence, suppression of dissent, and a “sham” 98% victory for President Samia in Tanzania.
• Rory’s Macro View:
  • Africa’s progress toward democratization in the ‘90s has reversed; now sees a rise in authoritarian and military rule in many countries, with only a few bright spots.
  • Astonishing demographic insights: “Tanzania’s population has risen from 10 million (1961) to 70 million (2025) and is projected to hit 137 million by 2050.” (Stewart, 30:35)
  • Links to broader unrest and stagnant international attention/support.
• Alastair:
  • Details on the crackdown: opposition leaders jailed, treason charges, and political repression.
  • Notes “trend inflation”—each new strongman aims to top the last in voting percentage, highlighting growing authoritarian bravado.

5. Climate Crisis: Critique, Action, and UK Leadership

[37:49 – 44:51]

• Listener Rachel Dehay Calls Out Podcast: For lack of sustained engagement with the climate crisis.
• Alastair: Accepts challenge, recalling interviews with environmental leaders and promising greater climate coverage.
• Jonas Gahr Støre’s (Norwegian PM) COP Message:
  • Progressives weaken their cause when they “glide with populists, away from targets and away from constantly innovating the methods and means.” (Message paraphrased at 39:14)
  • Discusses Norway’s substantial funding (US$5bn) to rainforest preservation with Brazil & Indonesia, new “Tropical Forests Forever Facility” fund, and measurable emissions reductions.
• Rory:
  • Praises Norway’s “specialization” and effectiveness; urges Britain to do more concrete reforestation, not just set “fake targets.”

    “We pat ourselves on the back by deindustrializing Britain…pushing our food production to other countries, but continue to consume just as much.” (Stewart, 41:53)

  • Advocates for UK government to adopt Norway’s approach in leveraging scientific expertise.
• Campbell mentions prior climate-focused interviews and promises a bundled episode:

  "Promise made, promise kept. Just remember, I'm Labour." (Campbell, 44:43)

6. Reflections on Dick Cheney and the Arc of US Power

[45:01 – 52:18]

• Dick Cheney’s Legacy:
  • Campbell shares war stories from his time dealing with Cheney as Blair’s chief spokesperson, highlighting Cheney’s disciplined, “cold, slightly menacing body language” (45:36) and pivotal role in Bush’s administration.
  • Notes shift: Cheney, once the face of the hard right, now appears moderate compared to Trump.
  • Rory:
    • Remembers Halliburton’s Iraq contracts and the ethical discomfort of privatization and political-business overlap.
    • Recommends “The World According to Dick Cheney” documentary—emphasizing how Cheney, tasked with finding a VP for Bush, selected himself.

      “He concluded, not very surprisingly, after a few weeks of searching, that the only man amongst 300 million Americans who could really do the job was himself.” (Stewart, 51:18)

  • Both note Trump’s lack of comment on Cheney’s passing as illustrative of today’s party fractures.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We’ve had seven [PMs] since the invention of the iPhone…The seven prime ministers prior to that covered 43 years.” – Alastair Campbell, 08:44
• “Downing street is not a playground. Downing street is… the center of our government.” – Alastair Campbell, 07:03
• “This isn’t a leak…this is somebody briefing a concept and an idea.” – Alastair Campbell, 13:32
• “If they do this to the president, what will happen to all the young women in our country?” – Claudia Sheinbaum quoted by Campbell, 25:12
• “One in ten children born in the world will be born in Nigeria by 2050.” – Rory Stewart, 30:39
• “We…pat ourselves on the back by deindustrializing Britain…pushing our food production to other countries…” – Rory Stewart, 41:53
• “Cheerio. I would not piss about.” – Alastair Campbell, on dealing with rogue briefers, 14:14

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Labour/Starmer Crisis & Internal Briefings: 02:08 – 16:16
• Votes at 16 & Youth Political Engagement: 16:23 – 24:22
• Mexico: Women’s Safety in Politics: 24:23 – 26:48
• Tanzania & African Democracy: 26:48 – 33:04
• Climate Crisis – Norway & UK Action: 37:49 – 44:51
• Dick Cheney Legacy: 45:01 – 52:18

Tone and Style

Campbell and Stewart’s discussion remains pointed but respectful, often disagreeing with candor but retaining humour and mutual respect. Both draw on personal experiences, direct quotes, and anecdotes, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at political life and international affairs, always mindful of broader implications amidst the immediate headlines.

This summary provides a comprehensive digest for any listener who missed the episode, enabling a grasp of all the significant conversations, perspectives, and takeaways.