The Rest Is Politics – Episode 498: “Alastair Reacts to Starmer-Mandelson Turmoil” (February 8, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this special solo episode, Alastair Campbell holds court in the absence of co-host Rory Stewart, offering a candid, emotionally charged monologue in response to the escalating political scandal involving Peter Mandelson, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and the fallout from the latest Jeffrey Epstein files. Drawing on personal reflections, political insight, and a sense of deep disquiet, Campbell explores what this turmoil means for Labour, the wider political system, and the country's future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Emotional Reaction to the Epstein Scandal (01:15 – 03:30)

• Personal Impact: Campbell admits to “sleepless nights,” feeling “angry, depressed, confused” and overwhelmed by the gravity of the Epstein scandal and its reach.

• Moral Outrage: He expresses anger at the content of the scandal and its implications for powerful men’s attitudes toward women:

  “Angry at the content and the context of Jeffrey Epstein, which is so disgusting on so many levels. And frankly, it gets to the point where you can't even read any more of it.” (01:48)

• Media Perspective: Cites Marina Hyde’s remark that the Mandelson connection isn’t even “the biggest scandal of the scandal.” (02:24)

• Sexism in the Scandal: Campbell highlights a Guardian article on the “logistics, food, drink and sex” view of women—“just how horrible and disgusting some of this is.” (03:09)

2. The Fallout for Labour and Politicians (03:30 – 05:15)

• Guilt by Association: Campbell is frustrated that all politicians are tarred by the same brush due to Mandelson’s ties to Epstein.

  “Because of the Peter Mandelson association… it’s as if anyone who knows him somehow enabled Epstein.” (03:40)

• Defending New Labour: He distances himself from blanket condemnation:

  “We’re not all the same. I am very, very proud of the New Labour project... I still believe politics and politicians can and should be a force for good.” (04:00)

• Labour in Crisis: Campbell likens the current government to “the last one,” beset by blunders and a “wasted” early mandate. (04:13)

3. Mandelson & Epstein: Betrayal and Bewilderment (05:15 – 08:00)

• Personal Connections: Disbelief at Mandelson’s closeness with Epstein, even during critical national moments:

  “I still don't—cannot for the life of me—get my head around how close Peter Mandelson and Epstein seem to have been.” (05:44) “I cannot fathom some of the exchanges with Epstein, like when on the day Epstein was released, they were joking about strippers and young girls…” (07:00)

• Reflection on Mandelson’s Character: Acknowledges Mandelson as “tricky,” “manipulative,” but “charming and clever.”

• Concern for Mandelson’s Fate: Torn between personal worry and public accountability.

4. Starmer’s Appointment & Accountability (08:00 – 10:15)

• On Mandelson’s US Ambassadorship: Campbell confesses he was uneasy about Mandelson’s appointment, understanding the “risk-reward” calculation but doubting its wisdom:

  “I always had a worry it wouldn’t end well. I never imagined it'd be like this…” (08:39)

• Vettings and Apologies: Suggests Starmer should acknowledge a “bad judgment” in the appointment, rather than deflecting blame onto vetting failures:

  “I just wonder whether it wouldn't have made more sense for Keir Starmer simply to have said...it's now transpired. It was a bad judgment, and I apologize.” (09:32)

• Media Hypocrisy: Anger at figures like Farage and Gove for switching from praise to condemnation with zero self-reflection:

  “I can't stand hypocrisy. And I note that these people are never challenged over those previous positions.” (10:03)

5. Media, Reform Rhetoric, and Political Danger (10:15 – 12:10)

• Media Volume: Critique of the “one volume, very, very loud and… anti-Labour” media environment.

• Gordon Brown’s Call for Political Reform: While sympathetic, Campbell fears further damage to trust in all politicians.

  “Just as the expenses scandal harmed the reputation of all MPs, not just the cheats, so too this plays into the reform framing of politics.” (11:07)

• Rise of Populism: Dire warnings about the real possibility of Nigel Farage gaining power, likening it to Trump-era corruption:

  “If Labour don't get their act together... then Farage is being gifted power, which I believe would be a complete and total disaster for this country…” (12:00)

6. International Parallels & Tech Influence (12:10 – 12:55)

• US Populist Equivalents: Criticism of US media for ignoring comparable scandals by the Trump/Bannon/Musk set.

  Text from Tommy Vita: “If Jeffrey Epstein forces out Starmer and Trump survives, I will explode.” (12:18)

• Tech Elites and Politics: Concern over right-wing populism as a means for tech billionaires to amass power at democracy’s expense.

7. Labour’s Leadership and the Political Void (12:55 – 14:05)

• Staff Accountability: Campbell questions Morgan McSweeney’s future as Chief of Staff, given the apparent strategic failures (13:00)
• Prime Ministerial Burdens: Warns that those calling for Starmer’s ousting underestimate how tough the role is; less than inspired by alternative candidates:

  “I'm far from convinced by the names currently in the frame. And that, I'm afraid, leads me to the most depressing thought of all…” (13:40)

8. A Bleak Political Prognosis (14:05 – 14:18)

• Systemic Malaise: Fears that the quality of politicians, corrosive media, and social media chaos further undermine effective governance:

  “We're becoming almost ungovernable—that neither the parties nor the public are really prepared to face up to the big things that need to happen to turn this country around…” (14:10)

• Personal Despair: Campbell reveals rare uncertainty about “a course out of really difficult situations.” The sense of shock and inability to see a clear path forward underline the personal and political gravity of the crisis.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the scale of the scandal:

  “It's not even the biggest scandal of the scandal.” – Quoting Marina Hyde (02:24)

• On the Epstein files:

  “You might have seen that in some of the interviews with Labour cabinet ministers in recent days…” (10:16)

• On the risk to democracy:“

  “It's a gift to Vladimir Putin and a gift to the Tech Bros… right wing populism is seen basically as a route to a world in which they… have all the power.” (12:39)

• On Labour’s internal state:

  “If you're the chief strategy and the strategy is not working, or you're the Chief of Staff and the operation doesn't seem to be working, that is a big, big problem.” (13:07)

• On personal inability to find solutions:

  “I'm normally quite good at thinking ahead. I can usually see a course out of really difficult situations. And right now… this Sunday evening, I feel that is very, very far from being easy.” (14:13)

• Closing reflection:

  “I hope it made some sense to some of you. I hope it helped explain why this has been so shattering for so many people…” (14:16)

Important Timestamps

• 01:15 – Campbell introduces and begins emotional monologue
• 02:24 – Highlights Marina Hyde’s quote on the scandal
• 05:44 – Expresses disbelief at Mandelson’s closeness to Epstein
• 08:39 – Reluctance and worry about Mandelson’s appointment
• 09:32 – Suggests Starmer should own up to a “bad judgment”
• 12:00 – Anxiety about the rise of Farage and dangers of populism
• 13:07 – Questions Labour’s internal staff and strategy
• 14:10 – Reflects on the ungovernability of the political system
• 14:16 – Monologue conclusion

Tone & Style

Throughout, Campbell’s tone is raw, confessional, and intensely personal—marked by frustration, incredulity, and genuine political despair. He paints a vivid picture of institutional malaise, the perils of populism, and the struggle for integrity in British politics.

Summary: This episode offers a rare, unfiltered window into Alastair Campbell’s psyche as he processes the Mandelson-Epstein-Starmer crisis. With intricate insider context, sharp political analysis, and heartfelt candor, Campbell conveys the scope of the scandal’s impact—on Labour, on British democracy, and himself. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking not just the facts, but the lived reality behind Westminster’s latest shockwaves.