Why is Sir John Major a Tory? How did he make it from Brixton to 10 Downing Street? What was it like to witness the fall of Margaret Thatcher first hand?

In the first of two episodes, Rory and Alastair are joined by the former prime minister to answer all these questions and more.

John Major - Episode 2:

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In the 21st century, the impact of financial and environmental crises can be felt by all. But how do we marry the nature of the economy with the ever depleting means of the planet? Rory and Alastair discuss the radical doughnut economic model with economist Kate Raworth to unpick how it could work politically, and how it is already helping cities to thrive in balance.

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For former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, the personal is the political. Growing up in Belfast with a deeply personal link to sectarian violence, her aim as President was to promote unity and build bridges between political, religious and cultural divides. Alastair speaks to her about misogyny in the Catholic Church, her role as a human rights lawyer, the violence of the Troubles, and much, much more.

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Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.

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Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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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, and how did he do it?

Rory and Alastair are joined by Jonathan Powell to discuss the New Labour years, the Northern Ireland peace process, how he negotiates with terrorists, and more.

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Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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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 Rory and Alastair about all this, plus his childhood in Dublin, juggling social liberalism with economic conservatism, and the future of AI in healthcare.

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Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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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 episode of Leading to hear Alastair and Rory's conversation with the former Chancellor of the Exchequer.

TRIP Plus:

Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.

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Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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How much do you know about Thatcher's back channels with Irish republicans during the Troubles? What are Gerry Adams' emotions towards the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing, looking back now in 2023? Who were the most important people in the negotiations that brought peace to the island of Ireland?

Alastair and Rory sat down with the former Sinn Féin president to discuss all these questions and more in today's episode of Leading.

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TRIP Plus:

Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.

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Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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How was peace achieved in Northern Ireland? What was it like speaking to the IRA, loyalist paramilitary groups and victims simultaneously? Who were the most important individuals involved in the peace process?

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Alastair and Rory are joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to answer all these questions and more.

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TRIP Plus:

Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.

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Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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Will Donald Trump return to the White House? What happened behind the scenes during the killing of Osama Bin Laden? How should we combat the insidious effect of technology and social media on the younger generation?

Alastair and Rory are joined by Hillary Rodham Clinton to discuss all this and more on today's episode of Leading.

Instagram:

@restispolitics

Twitter:

@RestIsPolitics

TRIP Plus:

Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.

Email:

[email protected]

Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

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Why did David Miliband leave British politics? How did he get involved in the New Labour project? And what does he spend his time doing now?

Join David as he talks to Rory and Alastair about Labour, international development, US politics, life in New York City, and the International Rescue Committee.

Instagram:

@restispolitics

Twitter:

@RestIsPolitics

TRIP Plus:

Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up.

Email:

[email protected]

Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices