James O'Brien meets Rory Stewart | LBC

[@notverygoodguy]

What a genuine, honest, intelligent and human politician. He never stood a chance.

[@TheColossalBlanket]

Look at his voting record.

[@jimmybreeze00]

@@TheColossalBlanket tell me more

[@TheColossalBlanket]

@@jimmybreeze00 Search nick abbot vs Rory Stewart voting record.

[@jimmybreeze00]

@@TheColossalBlanket thanks!

[@MP-mr8rj]

Voting record means nothing, you are part of a political party! “Toe the party line?”

[@Rjhs001]

As a long time Labour supporter, i listen to this decent, thoughtful, quietly spoken man and almost weep at the realisation of where we are now and who we have running (or is it ruining) the country.

[@importantjohn]

I agree. Although it could of turned out worse. We could of had Jeremy Corbyn

[@conorryan3035]

​@@importantjohnIf things had gone slightly differently it could have been Ed Miliband as PM and Rory as Leader of the Opposition. Feel like that or vice-versa would be a far more sane (if slightly less glibbly entertaining) timeline than the one we currently live in.

[@holdenmcgroin3995]

​@@importantjohnwe could have had nationalised public services :(

[@DreadPirateRobersWho]

Look at his voting record, and you'll find someone almost identical to Boris Johnson, with the exception that he has a better demeanour.

[@holdenmcgroin3995]

@@DreadPirateRobersWho he literally explains why his voting record is like that: the opposition creates motions that have no impact on legislation in order to create a narrative of an MP's voting record being abhorrent, whereas the government MP votes in support of their government. He says that votes should be considered in conjunction with what an MP does for their constituents.

[@nicolawhitham6964]

Always liked this man. I have never voted conservative, but this guy is really reasonable and happy to hear all viewpoints. Wish we had had him as PM.

[@greeny1033]

Same, I feel like, there is (or maybe was now post Brexit/Boris) a handful of both very old and very new, classic conservatives, that existed, like Rory, who speak about very well and generally, after hearing him talk about his values and outlook on the UK and our role on the world stage, I honestly agree with him. Its a shame the conservative party has only changed in a way to force people like Rory out of their party in one way or anther, and instead indulge people like Boris Johnson, Jacob Riess-Mogg, Suella Braverman... I would genuinely vote vote conservative if the party was made up of genuinely smart/knowlegeable/competant. Rory and conservatives like him as few as they are, portry a far more palitable version of the conservative party, that I hope we see in the future for the sake of the UK.

[@ThomasKing19933]

We could have had this man as Prime minister. Instead, we got Boris Johnson.

[@Tizzy-s9g]

And Johnson got rid of all the decent MPs along with Rory. Thats why we're in the mess we're in now

[@zigowl1193]

Tells you all you need to know about the Tory Party and their members.

[@susanb4816]

Right? Not enough people vote and those who do largely do so unthinkingly

[@eddiecalderone]

He tried to be independent, he got nowhere

[@chrisspencer6502]

I often think about that what if?! Even at the time he seemed boring but he could have got the conservatives a bigger majority that Boris against corbyns labour

[@TheComputec]

No space for an honest, thoughtful, compassionate person with integrity in the Conservative Party

[@lesleyhead2426]

Yes what a shame😩

[@belindamay8063]

So what’s he doing there?

[@scooby1992]

@@belindamay8063 The party changed , Rory didnt .

[@TheComputec]

@@belindamay8063 He isn't in the Conservative Party now

[@belindamay8063]

@@TheComputec As I said before. Repenting on the steps of the scaffold. .

[@sandyellis28]

Probably the best PM we’ve never had. Want to say this interview aged well as he was bang-on with his predictions here in 2019. But he also has a real timeless wisdom about him. Still young enough to come back to political life and hope he does. The sort of guy who if PM, could really turn around the mood, culture and fortunes of the country.

[@razorwestham5949]

Could still run as independent in London mayor elections

[@revbenf6870]

Oh no, he's way too rational, thoughtful, aware to be voted into power. Where's the rabid populism?

[@clivet3252]

Why do people say stuff like this? They say it about the worst people imaginable. He's like a pound shop Tony Blair.

[@revbenf6870]

@@clivet3252 your opinion, I don't share it. Simples.

[@peterscott2395]

There is a saying in Scotland, never trust a tory !

[@matttv94]

I’ve only ever voted labour. This is one conservative I might actually vote for. Shame he got expelled

[@DJWESG1]

If you only vote for the Labour party, why would you vote for the conservstive party? Ever..

[@edcleverley9333]

I'd vote for him if he was party leader and candidate in my constituency. If he was just an MP who had to do what the whips said, I still couldn't vote for him

[@matttv94]

@@edcleverley9333 I’m with you there. I’d vote for him if he was party leader

[@johngreenall1818]

If he got expelled, it’s because he probably didn’t meet the standard required. That being corrupt, lying, self interested, non serving, what’s in it for me, refugee demoniser, I hate Europe types.

[@matttv94]

@@johngreenall1818 too right

[@Gareth.W]

It's remarkable, 4 years after this interview was filmed, just how prescient Rory was about so many things. The UK would have been such a different country had he become PM.

[@PMMagro]

And the eader of teh party is chosen by the MPs. So you know what genious you have there...

[@DollyPocket]

We take our blessings where we can

[@bigdaddylawman]

As a Labour voter I can easily respect Rory Stewart. A real loss to British politics.

[@Iamneverright]

Twelve seconds of silence when James asked Rory ( Johnson) How dangerous is he ? Said it all really !!

[@mogznwaz]

Hilarious. James O Brien is so wrapped up in his leftie bubble anything not in it he sees as ‘dangerous’. But of course those in his bubble are not dangerous at all. Commies always think like this. It’s a cult like any other.

[@spikethomas5503]

Rory Stewart strikes me as a thoughtful, principled, highly articulate & worldly person. I've been impressed by what I've seen of/from him for a number of years. It is a terrible shame that he (still) aligns himself with the Tories.

[@cupguin]

Whenever I listen to Rory Stewart it might turn out I won't agree with his politics but I always appreciate what he has to say.

[@epkj4597]

Rory is a breath of fresh air but our political system will not countenance such an honest man in a senior position anytime soon..

[@roscopeco2000]

He would have been the first Tory i could have gotten behind in years

[@jeffsimon9594]

fnar fnar

[@eddiecalderone]

Clearly he doesn’t

[@GWills-ys6rd]

James O'Brien & Rory Stewart is a powerful collaboration. More of this please!

[@nicola.00]

I’ve always admired Stewart as an insightful and compassionate man, but listening back to this and seeing just how correct he was about how we’d end up and an example a thoughtful and serious politician - it’s utterly crushing. We’ve been left with the very worst politicians and suffering the consequences.

[@philipmulville8218]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@d33671]

Probably the most relatable person in politics. Yes wealthy and all that brings, but very open, frank and honest.

[@emmabovary9374]

It’s very heartening and uplifting to be witnessing such honest and penetrating exchange between the interviewer and the interviewee . Neither comfortable/cosy nor hostile/accusatory. Just mutually respectful.

[@christianecoughlan7392]

He is the only one who seems honest and humble. The uk has missed this opportunity to have a deep thinker as a PM. What a shame!

[@martynblackburn9632]

Seems is not an argument. Check his voting record and see the true Rory Stewart.

[@eddiecalderone]

Ridiculous

[@jb-zr4ez]

@@eddiecalderoneI think what is ridiculous is voting in a liar, a deceiver and a clown. But at least he made the masses laugh.

[@Tamarlane389]

This is precisely why he wasn’t successful. People are mostly unable to comprehend him and only seem to respond to short, catchy slogans. This is the level this country has now reached.

[@eddiecalderone]

@@Tamarlane389 People have different opinions and priorities. What he represents and stood for is not difficult to comprehend, it’s just not right for most people

[@neilbirch8431]

An old fashioned Conservative. Reasonable, intelligent, thoughtful. A thing of the past unfortunately.

[@michaelparker3732]

A delightful start to my Bank Holiday Monday. A really enjoyable interview. Rory Stewart is for so many the Leader they would respect. Empathetic, diplomatic, articulate, decent, open-minded, prepared to acknowledge his mistakes and genuinely wanting to help people. Echoing the comments below, I would gladly welcome him as our PM even though I have not voted Conservative for decades, but I have another thought. How might he contribute as Secretary-General of the United Nations? Global politics are looking extremely fragile at the moment. I am not sure what practical power that role carries in reality but his various skills sets might be invaluable should the potential level of conflicts escalate? In the meantime, I shall continue to enjoy his weekly double-act with Alastair Campbell!

[@MegaDonaldo1]

Rory comes across as a very decent person who really could make a difference to peoples lives given a mandate without constraints. I hope we see him in parliament again soon wearing any colour but blue.

[@eddiecalderone]

He will never be in Parliament again

[@MegaDonaldo1]

May one ask why not?@@eddiecalderone

[@MarKeMu125]

He's very adamant that the Conservatives are the only party for him. The party has been taken over by groups he doesn't believe in, and hopes it returns to a more classical version of the party. Not sure if he's able to somehow get behind a movement where this happens however.

[@eddiecalderone]

@@MarKeMu125 I mean the electorate will never ever vote for him to be their representative in the House of Commons. As in he will never get enough votes. I’ll be surprised if he was selected to represent any political party that has MPs sitting in the house

[@eddiecalderone]

@@MarKeMu125 The Conservative and Unionist party was not taken over by any group. The Tory party was always a broad church (of views & opinions) never a narrow clique, while always trying to prioritise the best interest of the U.K. and it’s people. It’s Rory Stewart that deviated away from the solemn duty of serving the electorate that elected him. Also no other political party would ever accept him now

[@heritagehomesJapan]

Never heard this before. Deeply moving and revealing. Exceptionally conducted interview by JOB

[@jivekiwi]

Even being in New Zealand, I found this a fascinating interview. It really showed another side to politicians. Great stuff.

[@boxingday11]

What a great, rounded and grounded GENTLEMAN.👍🏻

[@Josh-dp6gd]

What I love about Rory is how considered he is. He pauses before every response to make sure he is answering the right question. So rare amongst politicians.

[@Damomasts]

This is from 2019. Please come back Rory, form a new party and recruit like minded people from other parties and reunite our society.

[@eddiecalderone]

Hold your breath

[@Damomasts]

@@eddiecalderone Rory Stewart is breath taking in his intelligence, honesty and depth of character. There are no politicians currently in office that I am aware of that even come close to this man.

[@eddiecalderone]

@@Damomasts That depends on personal (electorate) views and opinions. Here are other politicians that in my humble opinion are top notch. Tom tugendhat MBE VR (although I disagree with many of his political views) Johnny mercer Kemi Badenoch Dame Priti Patel Ben Wallace Lisa Nandy Graham stringer Lord Frank Field Lord Daniel hannan Baroness Kate Hoey Sir Iain Duncan Smith Andy burnham .

[@Damomasts]

Top notch? That's a very low bar you're setting with most of these.

[@eddiecalderone]

@@Damomasts Again, it’s an opinion

[@Tee-bq2po]

The best Prime minister we never had !

[@iain_grant]

As a Libdem voter, I have huge respect for Rory, even more now from this interview!

[@Funbundle44]

It's always amazed me that he was ever a Conservative in the first place, but of course that was before it lurched so horribly to the Right. He speaks much more like a Liberal Democrat than a Tory.

[@martinscholes2023]

Two very thoughtful, respectful, well-informed people. Compared to the click bait trash out there, this was a delight

[@speakwell.840]

He's one in a million. Brilliantly clever, articulate beyond measure, and refined in the most charming manner.

[@thatdudebello]

This guy predicted the future with 100% accuracy. It’s funny how being correct usually gets you vilified and outcasted these days

[@chris5pens]

In the land of the blind, the one eyed man usually gets lynched.

[@MeiinUK]

@@chris5pens: So his comment about the loss of the aeronautical sector, the motor sector and the farming ???.... This is real ?....

[@jonhelmer8591]

I think it was always this way.

[@s3m4jno5w4d]

Ever was thus

[@hadleystirrup8203]

I know he's an ex-Tory and no longer an MP, but if Labour win the next election I'd love to see Starmer invite Rory Stewart to get involved in his team. His compassion, internationalism, knowledge, experience and reflective, thoughtful intelligence seem too valuable to waste.

[@jonathanrobinson8816]

Wholeheartedly agreed.

[@Tom_murray89]

Totally agree

[@hypnotoads]

Certainly one of the dwindling set of tory MP's I have any respect for, particularly his honesty as Prisons Minister stood out. Decent guy.

[@NinaGillani]

Rory Stewart is a man with a rigid moral compass. I wish he was our PM. James O'Brien is an incisive interviewer. Excellent interview.

[@trudgin62]

We would be very much better off with this man as PM than any of the dross we’ve had since brexit vote. He actually cares about people, and wants to understand what they need

[@belbrighton6479]

This is a thoughtful interview. We need more of this.

[@LiquidSpiral]

I am a Conservative, but a Rory Stewart Conservative - I’m appalled at what they’ve done to my country

[@belindamay8063]

@ Let him leave the Party, as an act of faith. If he doesn’t, I’ll be forced to see this impressive event as a Tory ‘switcheroo” . And before you jump - look at his voting record. ( Listed above.)

[@LiquidSpiral]

@@belindamay8063 I agree with 90% of his voting record

[@GQ-df2li]

It’s only just short of I told you so. Superb discussion.

[@harveysmith100]

I remember being impressed by Rory way before he was a politician. I saw a video of him in a meeting of mainly Arab tribal chiefs. It was chaos. All shouting over each other, arms waving and no one listening, (wait a minute I have just described the house of commons. I digress.) Rory sat calmly, emotionless, and then he spoke in a soft voice and the room fell silent as everyone listened to him. Having worked in the middle east, I know how difficult a job he did. It was on another level, Lawrence would have been proud of him.

[@izzytrue8630]

I have such respect for this man ... the thing I can't understand is how he could ever be a conservative!

[@lesleyrobertson5465]

Yes I find it difficult to grasp, like an ill fitting jigsaw piece

[@krisburgess2857]

So true it makes not sense to me that he was in a party like the Conservative Party

[@belindamay8063]

@izzytrue . How could he ever be a Conservative you say ? That’s the last awkward bit that doesn’t fit the jigsaw. Such a pretty picture as well.

[@donnab3720]

What an utterly amazing human being … everything a decent British person should aspire to be … find your path Rory, keep talking, keep showing the Country what it could be again

[@Anna-xp4yz]

How close we were to being a decent country, a Global inspiration! No Partygate No Pincher No "Stop the Boat week" (Cruella would still be on the back bench.) We could have people applying properly for asylum before risking their lives. Perhaps we'd have "Help the Homeless week", "Donate to refugees week" or even "Learn a foreign language week", .... I would have voted Jeremy Corbyn but wouldn't have minded either way...

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Tories should not have allowed Boris Johnson to do what he did to Rory and the others in September 2019. They are really paying for it now.

[@arthunter92]

A Tory I can actually respect and could even vote for. Very dignified man…

[@Tom_murray89]

Same here he’s the acceptable face of the tories. Also he comes across as a human being which is very rare in the Tory party

[@Rose-jh4vs]

Great interview!

[@techboy86]

I was rooting for him in the leadership contest, and I have never voted for the conservative party. He brought humanity and integrity back into politics, and a much needed centre ground. One of the few exceptions to Plato's quote - Those who seek power do not deserve it, and those who deserve it do not seek it..

[@belindamay8063]

@techboy. Look at his voting record. The acid test.

[@b4rneypup1]

I hadn't noticed this before but he stops and thinks often for some time before answering. He considers everything he says. What a tragedy he is no longer serving us.

[@annem5899]

Excellent interview .

[@rsalt6015]

One ace chap. There should be more like him in the Conservative party (I know he resigned quite publicly).

[@trudgin62]

There just should be more like him in Westminster and the country

[@shubbagin49]

Well done James, great interveiw

[@TheLoopyOrangeLady]

"I walked around every village in my constituency..." how many MPs can say they know their patch with such intimacy? And how refreshing to hear of the difficulties of balancing constituency matters with national matters. A great loss to politics.

[@John-Dennehy]

If only all politicians could have this level of self reflection. The only person to ever make me consider (albeit briefly) a vote for the conservatives.

[@MoiraOBrien]

Fascinating to listen to this with the benefit of hindsight, and of course having listened every week to "The Rest is Politics"

[@magswilliams-fuller8879]

A person who understood the role of what it means to serve the people for the people where ever they may be. It may be a lost description for those who hold public service but that is what he understood and what i personally want those who hold office to understand.

[@Tom_murray89]

He was about the only Tory mp who didn’t take the country for granted unlike most of them

[@anthonynichols8468]

I'm a left of centre labourite. Jeremy corbin and Rory Stewart are the most respectable politicians of our time ...Great respect

[@RLeaguer_Saint]

A Tory I could respect and disagree with cordially. What a breath of fresh air, and what a missed opportunity that we got Boris.

[@conorryan3035]

I hate the tories but I've always liked Rory Stewart. He strikes me as an intelligent, well read, thoughtful and fundamentally decent man. It's a shame but no wonder therefore that the tories as they are no have no use for him, but I wish him well in whatever he decides to do from here. The podcast he does with Alistair Campbell is great though I just say!

[@andrewrobinson2565]

If Rory Stewart was PM I might even come back to the UK 😮.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Maybe in say ten years, maybe. Depends if the Tories grow up.

[@peterlynch5077]

I have always considered Mr Stewart as suffering the same disability I used to see in Clare Short, he is too honest to be a politician. At one time he would have fitted into the old Liberal Party but I see no party in the present time which would meet his personal standards

[@clivet3252]

so honest he does a podcast with Campbell

[@nicolahearn4134]

Such a decent Conservative. Why do so many people now seem to reject or distrust intelligence, reality and reasonableness? Why are these no longer traits desired and admired by people. Where would we be now had the Conservative Party voted for Rory instead of Boris. Surely in a better place. I too could weep, as I do for the loss of the popularity of the centre ground in general.

[@jennykinsella7560]

ah love this man he is so genuine

[@TheColossalBlanket]

Look at his voting record.

[@jonathanbowen3640]

@@TheColossalBlanket Hes explained several times you have to vote along with the party. When he went against it they sidelined him and ruined his career for several years. This is three line whip in action. Also it's what many voters expect (vote along with party).

[@carolinwalker8131]

What potential.Liked him always the best

[@TheCloudhopper]

Rory Stewart is a missed opportunity for the Tories and the UK as a whole. If he would have been the leader of the conservative party at the time of a general election, he could have swayed a lot of center labour voters. Despite being a Tory, I think he would have made a better Prime Minister than the UK had in more than half a decade.

[@XLatMaths]

No wonder he didn't become PM. He's too sensible about small issues, rather than over-promising. It's a shame that we as a nation seem to prefer bombastic liars.

[@martynblackburn9632]

Bombastic liars... and cruel Tories who vote against welfare state spending as did Stewart!

[@concernedpatriot7694]

What a refreshing fellow. I'd vote for him in a flash. The old style of bickering, divisive, deceptive 'politicking' is no longer valid. People are tired of the arrogant political tail wagging the tired, weary bulldog of the population. Rory Stewart is a breath of fresh air - intelligent, sincere, modest, well travelled and hard working and perhaps he should break free to start the new, rather than battling the irreparable old which has passed its 'use by' date. .

[@DavidHoughton17]

I am not a fan of the Tory party, but I do have the most upmost resect for Rory and where he stands in the politics. Its a real shame he was not made PM for the UK. But as it stands Johnson's Bojo Brexit looneys are running the country down.

[@paul_isaac]

I follow politics a bit and had no idea there was someone as honest as him in parliament representing conservatives.

[@spacechannelfiver]

There were a few, Johnson drove them all out. Grieve especially comes to mind.

[@annemoncrieff3875]

U have to remind urself, however, that he was still a tory, supporting tory policies which were always against working class pple.

[@ericajohnson3504]

​@@annemoncrieff3875 you would be shocked if you knew the huge number of "Working Class People" who consistently vote for the Tories.

[@donmac7780]

Johnson got rid of them all in 2019.

[@shezzawalker3022]

I'm no Tory but I liked Rory in the debate, I still like him. He's decent.

[@TheGibbsy13]

What a decent human being. Honestly , my hatred of politics and politicians holds no bounds but Rory Stewart gives me hope that we can have that lost notion … an honest decent uk politician . What a man .

[@reginaldamoah8608]

I would have been interested to hear a conversation between Rory and Jeremy Corbyn in terms of their perspectives on international issues. Especially now they have both been expelled by their parties. They both seem to have a professed desire to make the world a better place but come from different perspectives

[@benlowe1701]

I think that is where he stands out for me. I know I disagree with him, fundamentally, violently even, on how to make the world a better place. But at least I know that we'd be arguing over methods and not aims. The current lot don't even conceal the fact that they are fine making the world worse.

[@belindamay8063]

@reginaldamoah. Remember. Stewart loathes every thing that Jeremy Corbyn stands for, everything he represents. Jeremy (unlike Stewart) has always been willing to attack the Leadership He doesn’t compromise. He doesn’t make limp excuses and cover them with a winning smile.

[@miakeogh6844]

I find this man remarkable intelligent and honest and because of this do not understand how he can still believe in conservatism while outside Britain he behaves like a true socialist ?

[@denniscooper6148]

The Conservative leader they could have had!

[@Halfpounder]

Have another go Rory because the people have had their eyes opened.

[@TheColossalBlanket]

Look at his voting record.

[@MissyGail4eva]

As an American, I must confess that I would not only happily invite this Tory to tea, but extend the stay until the last slice of Thanksgiving's sweet potato mousse pie was served..with an open door for Christmas in Florida.

[@peterscott2395]

Never invite a tory to tea, they'll steal the teapot and charge you for it aswell. Scotland learnt that many decades ago....

[@aengberg1]

What a difference it would have made if he'd been PM. His thoughtful, kind, nuanced and experienced world-view is completely missing in politics today.

[@dmd9080]

This calibre of man is what the country needs. It is a shame the awful conservative members would never allow it, and i suspect lefties would loathe him too. Was a serious politician. Imagine him representing the country on the world stage. Would have been an immense prime minister.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Him and Alastair Campbell have done some fabulous interviews since they set up their podcast. The best - Hillary Clinton. The worst - George Osborne - they should have mashed him.

[@MartinMcShaneMScMSMRCGPMA]

Gosh, so prophetic about Boris.

[@Eprosis]

Whenever I see an interview with Rory Stewart it makes me think of an endangered animal in a zoo. He seems like a decent, thoughtful, adult politician in a world where most of his compatriots are (increasingly) nothing of the sort. I feel sorry for him, because I think he knows he could have made a real difference in people's lives if given the chance. But the sad truth is that he never had a chance, because the time for decent politicians is gone. And with the electorate warped by propaganda and zealotry, he is a public servant without a people.

[@antcycli6633]

I agree, unfortunately politics on both sides has become so polarized to the extremes with angry views, that centrists like him would never be accepted by enough members

[@emmabovary9374]

Rory is not a demagogue, like his other conservative colleagues, especially Johnson. That’s why he lost. People like when things are inserted ‘oven ready’ in their brains. And he wasn’t doing that!

[@mattinterweb]

His new book is brilliant about his life in British politics. Some of the behaviour of MP's is jaw dropping, and he paints a very clear picture of how the political system is absolutely not fit for the challenges we face today. Radical change is required.

[@TrekOntheroad]

I can’t see myself ever voting Tory, however I could see Rory Stewart being an excellent MP and would be content he would try his best.

[@benbastianiartmusic1421]

The prime minister we never had 😞.

[@eddiecalderone]

No one wants him to be pm

[@damiendye6623]

​@@eddiecalderoneonly idiots go by who has the loudest voice. Sensible people are driven by policy and people of real value. Unfortunately sounds like your the former rather latter

[@davidmccabe4041]

What a fascinating interview, refreshing, illuminating....I had never heard of rory Stewart....how he can remain a Conservative is beyond me. The demise of the UK motor industry is still to come plus the slower decline of the UK farming industry and fishing. We in Ireland continue to prosper with record tax surpluses, a growing population from immigration and a thriving exports. David mccabe Dublin.

[@eddiecalderone]

@@davidmccabe4041 Tax surpluses are due to multinational companies corporate tax income. U.K. Prosperity index is 12th, while the Republic of Ireland is 11th, however the U.K. has been a very prosperous nation for a long time. UK car production surges 31.6% in July 2023 marking sixth consecutive month of growth. Double digit rises in demand from overseas and UK, up 36.1% and 13.7% respectively.

[@eddiecalderone]

@@davidmccabe4041 The fact that you never have heard of Rory Stewart indicates a knowledge deficiency in U.K. politics. As long as you bash the Conservative and unionist Party.

[@normanclark933]

No longer being a Brit. I am amazed to hear someone being honest in his own appraisal and doubts about where the UK goes from here. It must surely be the hope in many British Electror's minds that there should be more of this type of person in Parliament?

[@laurelsayer7557]

One of very few politicians with real integrity. I so wanted him to win the priministership at the time.

[@buffetslayer1533]

I like the way James has matched his shirt to the chair. 😊

[@ShivaCVIII]

One of the genuinely likeable Tories.

[@spacechannelfiver]

He’s not a Tory anymore

[@martynblackburn9632]

That's just flattery. Urgh. Check his voting record.

[@joewilliams8658]

@@martynblackburn9632 It's worth listening to Rory's response to this very criticism which he frequently received. It goes something like this: British parliamentary democracy particularly the major parties function under a whip system. MPs cannot be apart of the major parties and continually vote against their own party line. MPs who do so will get kicked from the party and as a result will not be selected in future elections. An MP can only vote against their party on occasional issues which must be done so selectively - Rory was kicked out of the Conservative party for voting against the government's 2019 no-deal brexit bill. This is isn't a Rory Stewart problem this is a problem of the authority of major parties. That said he also talks about the collective responsibility across ministers i.e. if a Minister does not agree with a policy they should resign so there's complicity here but again no Minister will agree with every policy instead their must be some level of compromise. I've not read his new book but he'll probably discuss this theme when it's released in early September.

[@philipglasgow3307]

One of???

[@spacechannelfiver]

@@philipglasgow3307 Grieve springs to mind,

[@karenjakobsen3607]

I love Rory Stewart. He would have been a fantastic PM.

[@wiliammound7942]

Never taken much if any notice of this man. Oh how much i have missed. 🇦🇺

[@Hunter-type]

the difference with Rory is Empathy

[@helenpalmer5757]

Brilliantly inciteful interview and agonisingly accurate regarding the post Brexit Britain we have inflicted upon ourselves. There has never been a time in politics that we have needed Rory more. Our political system needs him and many more like him. I'm not a Conservative but I would have voted for him. Enough polarisation! Let's get back to more centrist politics. Thoughtful, considered, intelligent, informed, honest, compassionate and reflective. I see no-one else out there to compare. Such a travesty that we lost his voice in our political system. I agree, the best PM we never had 😔

[@chrisjordan7739]

For me he sounded very thoughtful and intelligent and the complete opposite of the Johnson Sunak era. This guy is the first politician whom i wouldsay is genuinely trying to follow a path to make things better without ideaology or greed getting in the way. If only we had others in parliament like this. There is hope for the future with people like this😂

[@K1NGp4cm4n]

I cannot believe i am only seeing this interview today

[@kenroyforte6175]

I really don’t know how Rory end up being conservative amongst this crop of Tories.

[@christopherwebb3627]

When he joined there were other reasonable people around - Ken Clarke for example, John Gummer, Michael Heseltine.... but younger people with similar views will not join the Tories as they are now.

[@mossden]

I find it hard to accept that ‘nice’ people for one, do not seek high office and two, are not usually successful when they do. It seemed that lying, cheating, backstabbing etc is the best route to the top

[@cassandra2249]

The centre will not hold, but civilisation depends on the centre holding. The centre is not appeasement. It is the understanding that real politics is the art of negotiation and the acceptance of difference but a desire to find the middle and the elemental things that hold us all.

[@wibblewabblewoo6249]

Brilliant interview. I wonder if, several yrs on, if Rory would still say Boris wasn’t dangerous. I think (being a regular listener to ‘The Rest is Politics) his opinion might have changed. Remember that in 2019, his prediction of the future (increasing interest rates etc) was considered ‘project fear’ / ‘talking the country down’.

[@philipsudron]

So many opportunities for positive politics were lost when the Tories chose 'Fantastic' Boris instead of this highly intelligent, decent and thoughtful man.