Liz Truss' ex-colleague says she's been humiliated, and Labour could let him back into politics

[@PoliticsJOE]

Like this interview? Watch Oli's recent chat with Ian Hislop: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIa8gpyHmqeCic0

[@Aengus42]

It nearly worked Joe. Until the amazing disappearing woman in blue jacket at 03:11 😆

[@MrSatnavatron]

amazing work guys , high quality content

[@JossWhittle]

"Liz Truss' ex-colleague..." you can do better than that headline.

[@8088I]

Tories are up to their dirty tricks again. They're setting up Britain for a massive Austerity 'Measure.'

[@regina1892]

I enjoyed this interview very much!

[@DIYTinkerer]

The problem with Rory as a politician is he answers questions and appears to care about the country rather than his career. What a shame our parliament isn't full of people like him.

[@normanchristie4524]

Perhaps if we had proportional representation more people with the qualities of Rory would be prepared to stand for election.

[@tomgreene1843]

@@normanchristie4524 Not necessarily ...look at Ireland ...ruled by the South Dubliners!

[@normanchristie4524]

@@tomgreene1843 Sorry. I have no knowledge of Dublin politics.

[@MrManBuzz]

​@@normanchristie4524 South Dublin is the posh part of Dublin. West Tory is also used. You might understand that one better. And funny little fact, the word "Tory" actually comes from an Irish word meaning "bandit". Some things never change.

[@normanchristie4524]

@@MrManBuzz I like it!

[@Setinmywaysalways]

When Liz says she was going to be unpopular, she was not kidding.

[@DAVJULART]

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day! She's managed being right once. I know which one I trust more!

[@alandigweed8713]

I don't think she thought she was going to be this unpopular. She's gone into hiding, a Tory tactic

[@DAVJULART]

@@hughn she must be applauded for turning a fine maxim into a truism, and derided for not only not having an original thought in her head but also making such a hash of her interpretation.

[@floradiamonds]

She was already unpopular!

[@frankcarter6427]

I think she expects to be unpopular cos no one has ever particularly liked her

[@victormiles8389]

Love this guy. Intelligent. Considered. Polite. Respectful. Thoughtful. Coherent. Informed. Experienced. Totally rate him.

[@fungussa]

Yes, and his characteristics are quite rare.

[@E-Kat]

Do you mean, you rate him highly?

[@victormiles8389]

@@E-Kat yes, I rate him very highly

[@garethdesborough7960]

He stands, almost alone, at the front of a group of principled British politicians with a strong moral compass. He is, in every sense, the anti-Boris and I wish we could clone him.

[@Scraggless]

Same. And I'm as left wing as they come, and I fucking adore him

[@oystercatcher943]

I've never heard someone so politely deliver such damning criticism

[@davidjma7226]

Yes, politeness costs nothing does it?

[@randylahey2607]

Shame he contributed to it with his voting record.

[@samsammsammm1547]

rory is great. hope he joins a labour government and is on the front bench

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

I've never before heard so many people get confused between £400BN and £2BN.

[@powerboon2k]

Welcome to learning about stuff.

[@Gethsemanes]

One of a few conservatives that I will sit, listen and often learn something of worth from. That man deserves a role in someone's government

[@Flaminuggboot]

He doesn’t want a role in any government…. Have a listen to his podcast with Alastair Campbell

[@Smonnie13]

No, he deserves to run it.

[@poiutrew]

Agree. Maybe PR would help that happen. Politics has become too much like football; one team or the other being supported with blind partisan loyalty. It makes for a system that swings one way, then the other - wasting taxes on policies which the next gov't then burn on the pyre. Never a middle ground where everyone gets a taste; where policy has time to mature & become effective. Things take time, more than the 5 year election cycle to reach fulmination. The best from all representatives would benefit the country & people rather than party donors.

[@rossfindlay7760]

Be careful what you wish for, have a look at his voting record as an MP. Rory was all in on austerity and never once voted in a way that would have benefited the working class although he did consistently vote for the repeal of fox hunting and bloodsports.

[@Flaminuggboot]

@@rossfindlay7760 he had to obey the party whip or get kicked out, which eventually he was.

[@rossmurray6849]

As an Australian who's been watching British politics with increasing horror for a number of years, I would strongly endorse the use of the single transferrable voting method. It forces our two largest parties towards the centre of politics, largely because it allows other parties or independents to win seats when either of the major parties drift towards ideological extremes. I am a life-long left-of-centre voter but I'm never really scared of what the right will do if they gain power, in contrast to how I'd be feeling now in the UK or US. I honestly credit the transferrable voting method with always managing to keep our politics mostly sane and somewhere near the middle ground.

[@videoaddict961]

Do you not see how appealing to the centre to appease the right has allowed the Overton window to shift more to the right? Neoliberal centrism of the left has been the status quo since the 1990s and has seen a worsening of our economic and environmental state of affairs. I’m British and Australian and if you see even “centre” Liberals and Tories as doing anything but destroying the long term health of the country you’re deluded. Yes Aussie voting system is better but our right wing certainly isn’t, we do actually have a a more effective Labour Party than the milk toast centrist in Britain though.

[@rossmurray6849]

@@videoaddict961 I'd be interested to hear about any examples of others you think are doing better.

[@videoaddict961]

​@@rossmurray6849 Strictly in Utilitarian sense, not that I like them, every Labour politician's policy positions would be closer to mine. Helen Hayes is my local MP I bother her about climate stuff but I haven't looked into her that much. Its not that I like her persoanlity its that she isn't a Tory.

[@rossmurray6849]

@@videoaddict961 Before your edit, I think, you wrote, "They don't go far enough." Bill Shorten was crushed because he was too honest about what he planned to do. That depresses me on specific issues.

[@videoaddict961]

@@rossmurray6849 All I'm saying is I don't think my labour MP goes far enough but she is still better than going 1000mph in the wrong direction which you get with tories/libs. It seems like Rory Stewart gets praise for only going 100.

[@elpresidente8730]

Rory Stewart, the most thoughtful and intelligent leader the Tories never had, I doubt they could afford him now as they are morally bankrupt. A soft-spoken gentleman who just commands his audience with the lightest of touches. A rare quality in anyone these days.

[@Hannah-pk6iq]

'Thoughtful & intelligent'. Have you looked at his voting record ffs?

[@Hannah-pk6iq]

@@nicky7655 WTF!!!. educate yourself. I aint here to do that for you div.

[@alisonjmiller5339]

PMSL!!! Rory Stewart leadership quality??? ROFL!!!!

[@Martin_in_Cheltenham]

@@alisonjmiller5339 well i think he would be but it seems we will never see it unfortunately. In the meantime we have others..

[@joeybarber5273]

@@nicky7655 He voted for a lot of Cameron's austerity measures in line with the whip, but has since reflected that while it was certainly necessary to reduce the deficit, many of the cuts were very harmful

[@williamgeorgefraser]

It's amazing to hear a politician who answers questions, explains how he feels about things and doesn't just stick to the party line. He is sadly missed at the moment. If he feels that Labour represents what he believes in then they should take him on. He honestly appears to be someone who entered politics to help others and not just help himself.

[@cheatermccheat6378]

Should be the case for all of them shouldn't it? One thing people in my line of work get told all the time (I work in healthcare) whenever we get fed up and want better wages etc is that "well you shouldn't be doing this sort of job for the money anyway". It's insinuated that we should be happy with a low wage because we should be doing this sort of job selflessly for others, almost for charity. I've always thought that this should apply to many other jobs, including being a PM. The wage shouldn't be massive, it should be a job that attracts people that want to do it selflessly. If they didn't get paid so much maybe it wouldn't attract such unscrupulous characters to it.

[@SuperMarion61]

Agree with this, very refreshing. I quite recently found the podcast with him & Alastair Campbell, called “The rest is politics” on Spotify, very good & covers many topics, at home & overseas.

[@elkpaz560]

Except that he left the field, he is no longer a politician.

[@Grandude77]

He seems like a decent guy and smart to boot. I still doubt I could vote for him because I struggle to believe a tory party would ever offer policies I can support, whoever the leader is.

[@evolassunglasses4673]

He's a Metro Lib pro Globalisation pro NeoCon.

[@callumhardy5098]

It’s very very sad that there aren’t many people like Rory Stewart left in politics.

[@Yawnyaman]

I think of Willie Whitelaw from times past.

[@timothykeenan3743]

The fact that he was effectively forced out of his own party says it all.

[@propjoe1060]

Rory Stewart is an excellent politician. The fact that he was expelled by the Tories says a lot about them. He's too good for them.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

And above all too honest

[@michaelrch]

He wasn't expelled. He was sacked as a minister and left when his bid to become leader flopped. He's a Tory. He believes in capitalism dominating the working class, austerity and interventionism overseas.

[@jonsouth1545]

@@michaelrch he was later expelled by Bojo just before the 2019 election which is why he didn't stand for re-election as a teenager he was a member of the Labour party but then again Cecil Parkinson was a Labour member at university and he was Tory party Chairman as well holding several cabinet positions under Thatcher

[@stevebinning977]

His voting record on various issues is a bit dodgy.

[@cliveclerkenville2637]

Laughing mucho

[@cupguin]

Still don't agree with his politics but he's always someone I'm willing to listen to and hear him out.

[@t-and-p]

Agreed. I think it's because he's respectful. He seems prepared to respectfully listen to the points of view of other people (without shouting them down if they say something he doesn't like), admit when he gets something wrong, and will explain his argument with facts and logic, rather than many politicians these days who cast you as "the other side", jeer, and throw insults if you dare to question their reasoning. Rory seems like a good bloke who will serve his constituents well, regardless of what colour is next to his name.

[@Achrononmaster]

@@t-and-p He is still a moron. He does not understand basic sectoral balances and MMT. Government deficits are your private sector (firm and household) surplus. If the UK Parliament taxes back as much as it spends each year you'll have a permanent recession and mass unemployment. Truss' tax cutting is half of the correct policy, but the tax cuts should be for the poor, not the rich, so it's typical Tory welfare for the rich, austerity for the poor. They're all evil, the lot of them.

[@danw9464]

What parts of his politics do you disagree with?

[@MouldyCheesePie]

Why not, which parts? Have you seen his documentary on Afganistan? It gives an impression of the person. He's quite open minded and not too right wing.

[@resistancefighter9009]

@@danw9464 His views on the nhs. Particularly dentistry.

[@stephen6687]

Can sit down all day listening to this guy without getting bored, what a political bean he is! Well spoken and hit every question right on the head!

[@Joe90V]

This is the calibre of person who should be in politics, helping to get this country back on its feet in a coalition preferably. An amalgamation of all the ethical, conscientious, intelligent people to somehow save our poor ransacked nation.

[@andyholt6643]

Utterly agree.

[@rayr3137]

This guy is a snake !! 😂He stole Mr Coburn's wife whilst in Afghanistan .. coveting another man's wife sums up his character! Go look it up!!

[@thelonegr00ver]

As a former /potentail labour voter, totally agree.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

Republic of Ireland has a 3 party coalition. Centre right, centre left, greens. Position of Taoiseach or PM is to rotated in a few weeks. It should be noted that Ireland had a budget last Tuesday. It spent 11 billion Euro in " Cost of Living Budget" Not 1 Euro was borrowed. Multiple by 13 for UK equivalent. Its 132 billion Euro.

[@MrManBuzz]

​@@williampatrickfagan7590 Neither Fine Fail or Fine Gael are "centre left". They're both right wing. One slightly closer to the centre than the other. And they've only done this giveaway budget is because they're absolutely terrified of Sinn Fein gaining even more ground.

[@jonathanjeffreys3007]

Wow. What sheer pleasure to listen to a decent, honest, thoughtful commentary on politics as they are today. How refreshing to come across someone in the political sphere who listens carefully to questions and then answer them sincerely and meaningfully. What a complete and utter rarity. Roll on, PR !!!

[@JB-xd9dr]

Totally agree. Check out his podcast for more too. The rest is politics. 1st class thinking and discussion.

[@Chriswatney]

Yes - check out his “This is Politics” podcast with Alistair Campbell.

[@MiracleWax]

@@Chriswatney *The Rest is Politics

[@carnmarth334]

Drivel. Rory Stewart is an avid a Tory as the rest of them.

[@lukeseven8155]

Restraint abroad.??? FFS what about the British Empire

[@zaixai9441]

Whether you are left or right, you can't help but like this guy. Straight talking and seems to have a clue about what he is saying.

[@fionamacleod30]

I absolutely love listening to Rory. It’s such a relief and pleasure to hear a charming intelligent politician who also has a really healthy sense of humour. I hope to God he becomes prime minister one day.

[@williamwillis5729]

You can buy his nonsense from all good records stores, by all means, put him on repeat.

[@doloresfisher596]

I agree fiona

[@dubbaphatt3368]

I don’t agree with Rory on everything, but I couldn’t question his honour and his good intentions.

[@corvus1238]

Man, he's a Tory!

[@countycricklewood]

Like how he voted to scrap the nurses bursary? Just another Tòraì, all cut from the same cloth

[@WoWBaxter]

@@corvus1238 ‘a gentler, kinder politics’ ladies and gentlemen.

[@mattpjsmith]

Have a look at his voting record.

[@mrorangepeel659]

@@corvus1238 Ex Liberal Democrat posing as a Tory.

[@iomproirbais]

Absolutely fantastic to see Rory off the leash so to speak. The man is erudite, quick witted and, more importantly, right on! And to think a few years ago we were cringing at him clumsily trying to engage the youth in his PM bid...but at least he was trying, at least he is trying. We are sorely in need of a leader like Rory, and this is coming from a lifelong, pro independence SNP voter. All power to you, Rory. If you're ever up my way i'll buy you a pint!

[@bonkerscat1074]

Aye, I agree with you Hush 🤙🏻

[@RoryTV1]

what a load of bollocks

[@starmersbarber]

An excellent interview. I have 'non-Tory' coursing through my blood, but I admire Rory Stewart. I find it hard not to like him. An old-fashioned thoughtful and intelligent person.

[@DaleLadDaz]

And as a result, very decent, which goes a long way imo

[@itinerant1000]

He's that rare beast in contemporary politics: an intelligent, gentle man.

[@trrexxx]

I really like this guy. I have seen interviews with him before. He isn't flashy or wound up. He is the sort who tries to think things through. Very level-headed.

[@mrdaveythebaby]

Don't forget to check out his voting record.

[@powderandpaint14]

Why was he a Tory in the first place though! He obviously didn't think THAT much.

[@jshaers96]

@@mrdaveythebaby He would argue that he was a member of the Conservative Party and most of those votes carried a three-line whip.

[@MrManBuzz]

​@@jshaers96 And? Your point? It isn't like he was held at gun point to be a Tory MP. If he was too afraid to break ranks even if he was strongly opposed to supporting Tory policies because he didn't want to lose his cushy seat, that's just as bad. His voting record tells you what kind of man he actually is. Being soft and well spoken here is just a front.

[@KOL630]

Unfortunately (or fortunately for him) he’s not enough of a total a-hole to have succeeded in the world of politics. He seems a good guy it’s a shame he never got further up the tree. He was shakes out by big baboons!

[@zen1752]

That was one of the most sincere and honest reviews of the political landscape I have seen in years. Bravo.

[@martinhartecfc]

I don't see the world the way he does ; but he's likeable, sincere and serious. He's the kind of Tory who I would listen to with a genuine open mind about his ideas.

[@BobK5]

🤮

[@macdeluxe733]

But, surely, that's the best stance to take. The left are going to be right about some things and, conversely, so are the right. Anyone who allows partisanship to dictate their beliefs - or worse common sense - are on a loser from the get-go. Taking the partisan route, ultimately, ends up with the farce that is current day politics.

[@trrexxx]

We all have varying views of our world. Democracy is based on negotiating and coming to terms with those around us and meeting somewhere in the middle. Hard to do when the circus clowns like Johnson and Trump are in the ring. Then it's nothing but feel-good knee-jerk reactions to whatever is going on around them.

[@starmersbarber]

Well said Martin.

[@brioquery]

It's a real pleasure watching this guy being interviewed; there must be a place in British politics for the likes of Rory Stewart.

[@monkeytennis8861]

Please check his voting record to dissuade yourself of that stupidity

[@trentbardy2271]

@@monkeytennis8861 Sadly people vote for politicians because they’re either in a particular party, like it’s bloody football, or because they like the politician, as if it’s a popularity contest.

[@jeanniemullinder9038]

Move over Liz - give that man the job !! Also well done the man doing the interviewing and allowing the questions to be answered without rudely interrupting all the time. We need more interviews like this !

[@gavinhawdon193]

I thought he was really good too. Asked open questions. Young. Engaging.

[@echobay5040]

If she has been humiliated then she damn well deserves it. Odious woman.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Not sure that she even understands the word or what the emotion feels like

[@TheLazyass111]

@@WolfgangVonKempelen838 usually folks like her don't know any emotion beyond: happy, sad, and "I see an opportunity to make some cash"

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

@@TheLazyass111 I can imagine the "I see an opportunity to make some cash" bit, not sure about the rest though. She did cheat on her husband with an affair. Does that count as an emotional sensation?

[@garymct6860]

You listen to libshit radio and consume libshit media all day, through social media and it leaves you in a highly emotionally disturbed state. You are worse than useless in politics for people who care about their country.

[@uttaradit2]

any ex liberal is suspect

[@nodtripRS]

Find this hard to say, a Tory with honesty, I can actually listen to his thoughts an opinions an even more so, agree with him.

[@boxtradums0073]

That’s why he was a spy 😂. He disarms you. He is the most unwell person that isn’t unwell I’ve ever seen, so who would have their guard up.

[@nodtripRS]

@@boxtradums0073 😂 fair commont.

[@david1731048]

Hence the Tories chucked him out!

[@trrexxx]

He cares. And is willing to listen.

[@kevinfitzsimons5105]

Check out his excellent podcast "The rest is politics"

[@MrShardlake]

Rory Stewart is an absolute gem, very knowledgeable and experienced... He has a tremendous body of written work, they are a joy to read...he also answers questions... something that is all to lacking in British politics...could still be an outstanding PM...wake up conservative's and start doing the basic's of government correctly...that means not crashing the economy and try to improve our standing globally... preferably in my lifetime...nice to see an intelligent nice guy...much respect for this guy.

[@Alun49]

One of the few conservative politicians (ex) I have some respect for.

[@monkeytennis8861]

Why? Have you seen his voting record?

[@Alun49]

@@monkeytennis8861 I said "some" respect. The Tories are, for the most part, a despicable bunch of self self serving, greedy, irresponsible ex-public school tossers without integrity. That Jamie Stewart can string a sentence together that makes any sense at least demonstrates his brain cells are not atrophied completely. Hence "some" respect.

[@jimsaunders6896]

I just love him so much. No blunder, no bluster, no whataboutery at all. Rory Stewart is exactly what we need in these dark times, and more of him! (I am not, nor ever have been, a Conservative voter. Rory is the one person who could sway me.)

[@monkeytennis8861]

Check his voting record - he's vile

[@alfching2499]

Prudent 😂

[@JustinSmith-ee9kp]

Well said! I totally agree. The Torys have made a huge mistake putting in Truss, shows terrible judgement and that they are out of touch.

[@geraldinetynan1654]

Beware, one level headed guy is not enough. In fact he need's to resign from the Tories

[@carnmarth334]

"Rory is the one person who could sway me." Then you're senile.

[@Ralgul21]

Notice how he never bad mouthed liz truss. He is just stating what has happened. True gentleman

[@tonygreen9033]

What an intelligent, decent man. Tragic that he is no longer an mp.

[@rogernewton7831]

He's a wanker and always was.

[@monkeytennis8861]

Let's not forget which party he was in

[@aardjazz]

@@monkeytennis8861 or his voting record

[@spacechannelfiver]

@@monkeytennis8861 I never had much problem with the wing of the party he was part of, and as an MP he was very representative of his constituency. The problem is the party has been hijacked by Randian idealogues who have driven all the "One Nation" types out. Hopefully we do get PR to allow some more diversity of thought into our Democracy. In the meantime he's doing a lot of incredibly important work with a charity that is trying to lift people out of extreme poverty and prior to that a lot of important work in trying to facilitate the establishment of social safety nets in places they don't exist. Yes he can come across as being a bit "White Saviour", but he's a genuinely good guy. He was on track to actually doing some good as Prisons Minister having spent time to actually listen to what the problems were and understand his brief, but got reshuffled out of his role. The admiration for the Teal independents in Australia is particularly telling, and remember all the UK wide parties are coalitions and the Centre is the Centre for a reason.

[@mancmayhem8165]

His voting record as an mp shows his true colours.

[@gretareinarsson7461]

A short attention span is not a positive thing to have for a PM - to say the least.

[@floatingpeaks4584]

Sorry, what did you say?

[@andybrockbank3027]

If you don't have more than a single brain cell then a short attention span is all you can support

[@steveteare3865]

I wish political debate on TV was of this calibre. I feel like I could vote for Rory as PM - but only as leader of the Labour Party!

[@MortimerDuke83]

Everytime I hear Rory speak I'm reminded of low the bar is that society sets for leadership. Rory shouldn't be on the outside of politics, he should be at the nucleus of it 🤟

[@mish375]

That's why he was booted out. The other politicians don't want that. Greed and power change people. Anyone who wants real change isn't allowed to have any of that power to enact that kind of change.

[@matt-f1c]

How we miss politicians like Rory … Down to earth, common sense talking and proud British politicians like Rory ..

[@papaj9386]

Sad, Rory is the Prime Minister we should have had. The most outstanding person in Parliament in the 21st century

[@Loneman_OG]

**cough*m0r0n*cough**

[@bdhaliwal24]

It's so sad that all the reasonable people have been pushed out of politics (mostly on the right). I think part of this is with the public themselves who's regard for a leader is more based on emotion rather than actual serious thought. When this happens the scoundrels of politics will pander and play to base fears and thoughts and exploit their way to top.

[@srinivaschillara4023]

That is a very good point!

[@RomanHistoryFan476AD]

Have you seen what the left offers recently?, clearly full of crazy people as well.

[@normanchristie4524]

Also ....those onthe left. What has happened to the Bessie Braddocks, the Barbara Castles?

[@xhshdd7113]

Reasonable Tories? They don't exist mate, similar to the 'reasonable people' protestors of monarchy were charged in defense of, definitely agree that reasonable people have been pushed out of politics though, shame starmer and the rest of his backstabbing ilk are the labour that the media swoons over

[@vthomas375]

Those who seek to rule over others have the worst type of mental illness.

[@daisyl2629]

The UK missed a trick when Rory wasn’t given the opportunity to be PM

[@maralynmitchell8261]

For once, i am Speechless !!

[@simb49r]

Great interview, loved listening to Rory’s history of argument on BBC Radio 4/5. Hopefully he’ll return to frontbench politics soon!! Very well informed and intelligent interviewer too

[@jhart8118]

Rory, we miss politicians like you! We so need intelligent considered discussion during these complicated times. This is far broader than partisan politics and catchy sound bites. This is not a time for “blindly following idealogical leaders up that metaphorical hill of the promised land”, but rather a time for well thought through pragmatism, across party lines, and ultimately in the service of the many not the few. Please can we bring back responsible politics that seeks to pull the best solutions from across the spectrum. It is getting desperate… !

[@ayoadebowale3291]

We didn't just lose access to the single market with a hard brexit, the Conservative party also threw out most of the people you refer to, in order to get brexit done.

[@alexhoustonartist7765]

Rory, is an fantastic guy and I love listening to his podcast every week. Also check out his podcast on rhetoric on radio 4

[@Mysterywhiteboy78]

No we don't. Blairites are like cancer.

[@videoaddict961]

@@VentureHolly Literally everyone in this comment section acting like smooth brain neolib centrism isn’t it’s own ideology and hasn’t has dominated all our lives for the last 30 years. Feel like I’m taking crazy pills, this guy is a Tory but is made to look “good” by not being a full on fascist, so impressive.

[@deefman123]

now i was born and raised a labour voter, but this guy really seems genuinely nice, relatable and capable of genuine intelligent thought.

[@kanedNunable]

true, then you look at his voting record.... :(

[@mscrunchy68]

He really is the only Tory I can enjoy listening to - he has the intellectual heft the others so painfully lack.

[@Mounhas]

@@kanedNunable Yes, he has a typical tory voting record, but a Redwood or a Mogg he isn’t.

[@M_Bamboozled]

Yes, and they booted him out. Tells you everything you need to know about the Tories in 2022. And society - look at social media - stupidity is somehow cool and something to aspire to.

[@1man1bike1road]

always check the voting record hes an old school tory just a smarter one than we are used to lately, he loves privitisation and would get rid of the NHS at a moments notice

[@kaamkmca]

What a breath of fresh air! We need more people like this guy who have a rock of common sense. His analysis is so spot on!!!

[@vintage0x]

"she's very much a politician not of twitter, or of facebook, but of instagram" - wow. a rather millennial set of references, well deployed to make a point.

[@321Tdog]

@Dreaming Worse - Reddit

[@phpn99]

We had Instagram Celebrities, now we have Instagram Politicians. Redefines the term "influencer". TikTok Politician is the next stage - clowning.

[@sotirmilivojevic6233]

@@phpn99 Well, what's politics other than influencing people's opinion? In near future, all political leaders will be high school drop outs and hoes :D.

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@@321Tdog Worse - 4chan

[@enemywithin1295]

@@aliasofanalias7448 4chan is better

[@adamgibson7181]

imagine how much better the country would be if Rory had won the leadership all those years ago

[@bonalba20]

Rory Stewart = a rare beast, an intelligent truthful politician. That’s why he was removed as an MP. The UK is the poorer for his absence. Come back soon Rory, the country needs you!

[@euchrideucrow1970]

Rory, one of the few sensible people in politics.

[@robinmcara793]

No, just did an interview about Bojo where he himself says he was anything but honest.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

That's why he left

[@corvus1238]

He's just another entitled, public school Tory toff. The only way that Tories can get into power is to lie. The core Tory philosophy is 'Look after the rich, ordinary people don't matter'. How do you get ordinary people to vote for you if you say that out loud? If he had won the leadership he would have been just as bad as Johnson and Truss; lying to stay in power while the masses suffer. Don't ever believe what a Tory says, they have to lie!

[@CountScarlioni]

Sadly he's no longer in politics.

[@TriviaChallenge]

*Sensible Tory politician.

[@philmckay9973]

A rare gem the English had thrown away. I’m glad he walked away and kept his integrity.

[@corvus1238]

He's a Tory, he has no integrity.

[@corneliuscornia4436]

Agreed.👍

[@mrorangepeel659]

Kept his integrity 😂

[@sdry1688]

He's Scottish !

[@pablosaintmarr3223]

He's not really English , he is the son of upper crust Scots and was born in Hong Kong ! his family ESTATE in Perthshire has 450 acres. Still like him do you ?

[@Alexander_Stevens]

Well done, Oli - Rory’s an invaluable contact, Joe will do well to keep Rory close to them.. This interview was as fascinating as all of Rory’s. Oli was the perfect person to do this, no interrupting, no agenda and allowed RS to completely speak his mind

[@olaniyifalayi6727]

I definitely would love to see him back in the Parliament.

[@michaelrch]

One more Tory? Why?

[@markh5399]

You won't see him back. He thinks before he speaks. Stupid yes people are the name of the game now.

[@billybonds4449]

Not just any lying Tory. A man of integrity who is one of the very few Tories who is respected by plenty of people of all political persuasions.

[@Kontrolleuchte]

I am so much looking forward to see Rory coming back into politics and I pray that he will get into a powerful position with a lot of likeminded people. It would quickly sweep away the ghoulish nightmare of the spiralling far right extremism we have been facing since 2016.

[@geraldinetynan1654]

He should join the Labour party

[@Kontrolleuchte]

Maybe if the proportional representation does not materialise,@@geraldinetynan1654 . I see him more like a conservative Green. Greens transformed German politics in the 80ies and now there are clean rivers and the ozone layer does not seem to be an issue anymore etc. Later the progressives matured to be more conservative and coalesced with Christian and Social Democrats alike at different times. I wonder what he would call his party and what its focus would be though.

[@kingsley5471]

What far right extremism? The Tories are green liberals.

[@johnandrews4144]

Far right????

[@anzacman5]

Politics is a game of shallow throwaway lines and people. He's not one of those.

[@hatfullofsky2470]

I think that saying Brexit is the people's voice is a red herring. Nobody knew what impact Brexit would have on the uk. most of us were in fact given outcomes opposite to the reality we now face

[@keevee09]

Rory is that rare breed of politician. An honest, intelligent and intelligible man.

[@casperwallace9685]

and a spy.

[@garytaylor6408]

Not exactly a sleeper.

[@MrBottomrung]

Lol!

[@TazBuckfaster]

You know he chaired a CIA-funded far-right international policy group called Le Cercle, right?

[@RamoRepusTV]

I’m sure Rory was involved in the illegal war in Iraq and killed a million people and displaced tens of millions more. Who’s speaking next? Blair

[@katesmiley9316]

I love this man!! So intelligent, reasoned, genuinely wanting to create a better world ... come back, Rory!!

[@powderandpaint14]

If that was the case why was he in the Conservative party? Check his voting record.

[@paulharrison2325]

@@powderandpaint14 because he is a conservative. It’s not his fault if the Conservative party has lost its way and moved away from conservatism. He clearly explains his opinion doesn’t match the Conservative party as it is, hence why he was kicked out. Regarding voting records, you understand the whip, right?

[@powderandpaint14]

@@paulharrison2325 they can defy the whip if they feel strongly enough, loads of them did about Brexit. Basically he stayed until he was kicked out.

[@paulharrison2325]

@@powderandpaint14 defy the whip = kicked out

[@powderandpaint14]

@@paulharrison2325 no, that's not how it works.

[@jakestewart8784]

He's not corrupt enough to climb the ladder like the rest unfortunately.

[@Michiel_de_Jong]

The moment the Tory MP's voted this guy out of the leadership contest ... it was down hill from there for the UK....: Boris -> incompetent government -> hard Brexit -> scandals -> Liz Truss

[@BobK5]

🤣

[@ThiefOfNavarre]

concise, accurate.

[@yootaobe5536]

Clearly they wanted to keep the gravy train going so chose the road of ruin to fill their pockets at our expense. I'm not a Tory and have never voted for them but Rory was the one candidate i felt had the integrity, intelligence and plain decency to lead the UK in the right direction. What could have been 🤷‍♂️

[@ThiefOfNavarre]

@@yootaobe5536 Aye, it's sad. We can only hope the financial sector has enough clout to evict our current squators in no10

[@RAPamme-ih8bm]

he is a great disappointment.

[@Snugggg]

I've never voted conservative, but I could vote for this guy. 👏👏👏

[@MrManBuzz]

Have a look at his voting record. This veneer of soft spoken respectability is all a face. People are so easily swayed by a smile.

[@damonorm7277]

vote for him when he joins Labour... which he will do

[@damonorm7277]

​@@MrManBuzz its more than just a smile for god sake. hes about 1000x more intelligent than Truss

[@MrManBuzz]

@@damonorm7277 His voting record speaks for itself. He's not as out of step with the current crop of Tories than he'd like to paint himself. Just because he's a lot more likable on a personal level doesn't mean Jack shit in terms of how he actually votes in Parliament (the part that actually matters)

[@Snugggg]

@@MrManBuzz fair point. I admit i was swayed by what he was saying (as many are) but yes the voting record is the clearest indicator of integrity. basically: does he put his money where his mouth is?

[@jamescomment4129]

Rory come back to politics. We need thoughtful intellects like you.

[@SingularityMedia]

A rare intelligent politician, I thought he was always a good thinker. He actually thinks and assess rather than parroting the ideologies of whatever political position word for word. He represents the moderate, forward thinking side of conservatism. I`m not a tory by any means, my thinking is aligned with anarchism. But I like this guy.

[@TheBorderRyker]

I completely agree (and I’m not a Tory either.)

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Anarchism? You have to be joking. I assume you do not have a bank account or have ever formed a contract with anyone, such as buying goods or a ticket for something? No, I thought not. Left wing socialism is the answer but anarchists have never explained how their system would work.

[@julianshepherd2038]

he's not going to make it in politics with those skills

[@hmq9052]

Can you talk us through how anarchism would work given the current situation

[@hmq9052]

@@julianshepherd2038 We used to have politicians like him

[@Jimmie16]

Rory doing a good job of avoiding the simple fact that the whole party is corrupt.

[@josefschiltz2192]

He doesn't like to say it. He's too thoughtfully polite to be a politician.

[@julezpanda14]

He knows only too well what the Tories are, that's why he quit!!

[@julezpanda14]

Damn shame, he was the only Tory worth voting for!

[@corvus1238]

@@julezpanda14 He quit cause he lost! He's a Tory. That means he lies!

[@corneliuscornia4436]

Spot on mate👍

[@alisonwilliams5355]

I wish Rory had been successful with his aim to be PM, I don’t feel we would be in the terrible situation we are now in.

[@modernschoolatlas]

Let's see him on Question Time again, wiping the floor with the inadequates.

[@MichaelWilliams-jc2ui]

We need more people like this guy in British politics. People who actually engage brain, think things through and listen to peoples views. Instead of the current crop of knee jerk reactionaries, running around like chickens with their heads cut off, that seem to control our once respected British parliament.

[@SteRDLK]

We need less right wing wankers, not more

[@suzy5166]

You should be pm!

[@aidanrock8719]

This dribbling dolt with enough gigantic teeth to crack open shellfish supports and participates in fox hunting, such basic lack of empathy should be punishable by prison terms, never mind awarded positions of power.

[@Charles50Kal]

Rory Stewart after what he did to Tommy Ribinson in prison? No thanks.

[@AminTheMystic]

@@Charles50Kal What did he do to that evil little fuck? Nothing.

[@sarunds74]

I would have voted Rory over Boris and Liz. A good man.

[@James_08_07]

An example of the talent the Tories threw away in their desperate search for that unicorn Brexit that simply doesn't exist.

[@Paul-dv4dr]

Best bloke in the country.

[@William-Morey-Baker]

@@Paul-dv4dr far from it... Centrists like him are responsible for the vast majority of the degredation of politics, not just in the UK, but world wide.

[@christophervickers7583]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🇬🇧

[@andypandywalters]

A highly intelligent man. Not just a former MP, but an army officer and a diplomat who can apparently speak 11 languages !

[@MSalt69]

And who delivered his first child at home because medical assistance was delayed.

[@Cruelty-Torture]

Aye. A rare Conservative I can respect.

[@vipeton.8927]

What exactly means 2nd lieutenant on probation?

[@cliffwheeler7357]

He also wrote an amazing book about the time he walked across Afghanistan.

[@6chhelipilot]

@@cliffwheeler7357 Many, many people have walked across Afghanistan but never got a book deal. Underwhelming in the extreme.

[@denisecooper7031]

ive always admired Rory Stewart. An intelligent, measured, honest. decent individual. Fancy that the Tories would throw him overboard.

[@hughgrection5674]

No matter what you think of Rory’s politics, always a well informed and reasoned interviewee 👍 the insta reference is bang on with Lizzie 😂😂😂

[@peterallman8474]

Blimey, what stone have I been sleeping under that I haven't come across this guy before? Wonderful, I'm certainly a big fan now.

[@Fredmayve]

Rory is ex military as are far too many MPs these days, Truss indeed also somewhat linked. A healthy democracy would keep clear lines of division.

[@chrisko6439]

I'm watching this tragedy from Germany. I've seen interviewers asking really uncomfortable questions and Truss making an a... of herself when answering them. We don't have this here in Germany, media and politicians in Germany seem to be puppeteered by the same circle of people. It appears to me, this is somewhat different in the UK, but what does it help? You are still shafted by crazy people you didn't even make the mistake of voting into office. The world is a very sad place.

[@larshofler8298]

I guess you don't have to vote for anyone, and things still work the way they work. Britain being one example where nobody has even heard of the new PM prior to the announcement. Japan is even worse: people barely vote or pay attention to the politicians, the politicians kind of just nominated themselves into power, and one political party gets to stay in power for 60 years without much disruption or opposition...

[@markanon5581]

@@larshofler8298 I can't say I'm enamoured of the Japanese political system and, yes, there's voter apathy there, but Japan has one thing: the Japanese may not engage with politics, but they are educated to invest in the community in which they live - you'll see a gaggle of happy pre-school children out litter picking in the streets and the high school kids gleefully help to clean their classrooms (not as any kind of punishment) This cultural and educational background is reflected in how one finds the local envirnonment; it's clean and and public social relations are fairly harmonious (no aggressive drunkenness, very low rate of crime, high incidence of people returning lost items). One problem we have is that many people are distracted from their responsibility as a part of a community by their excessive preoccupation with their own personal freedom, 'living their best life' and me, me, me all to my mind hugely exacerbated by consumerism. People don't want to take responsibility, they just want to indulge in their fantasies... while Rome burns.

[@angelamaryquitecontrary4609]

I used to feel so lucky to have been born in the UK. I bloody hate it here now: Conservatives and Brexit. Everything is different, and much, much worse.

[@larshofler8298]

@@angelamaryquitecontrary4609 No, Britain was not good before the Tories. Labour under Tony Blair was even worse than the Tories, and paved the way for the political landscape today. Labour and Conservative... Two faces of the same coin.

[@larshofler8298]

@@markanon5581 There are surely things we can learn from the Japanese culture

[@jimjiminy5836]

God bless him. He gives a wee glimmer of hope in these dark times.

[@Alexander_Stevens]

Always an absolute pleasure to listen to Rory, one of smartest, bravest and most eloquent members of the ‘bubble’. Great interview, well done Joe!

[@jasonuren3479]

It's only taken her 3 weeks to finish the UK

[@stephanguitar9778]

It would have only been 1 week if the queen had not died.

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

At least she's more efficient than most politicians who never do anything. She's ruining us faster than Boris did. We're so doomed with these vile, Tory scumbags running the country into the ground.

[@grahamleiper1538]

UK was finished the day after the Brexit vote.

[@yotony0]

Tragic that this guy is not in the frame to be the UK's PM before long. I met him in Jakarta late 90's at a young diplomat's Friday after work drinks session. He was mid 20's back then and as calm, collected and bright as he is in this video.

[@davidbrittain3212]

He ran in the race for Tory Leader when The Clown Johnson was voted in by the thick as mince Tory MP's and then of course the thick as a plank Tory membership voted Johnson in as PM - the rest is tragic history, unfortunately. This country get what it deserves with the ignorant population we have - just look at the disaster that is Brexit. Rory Stewart is ten times better and more competent than either Johnson was or Truss will be but he's shunted out of the party and that says it all about the sad state of our politics.

[@carlitoab]

Wow that must have been awesome. Rory is the most engaging and switches politician of his generation.

[@tubereel5239]

Wow, what a refreshing interview, I have always liked Rory, but I like him even more now....!! Straight-talking honesty is not what you would associate with the tories or politics....Dear Lord, why is he not the PM? Well, I know why....!!

[@grantmck9659]

I remember the first time rory Stewart came to my attention he was the minister for prisons and he put his neck on the line and said if I dont turn the numbers round in a year I'll resign. We need more accountability in politics. It's a shame he hasn't had a chance at a more prominent role.

[@SuperMarion61]

Oh yes, I remember that now😅

[@WoWBaxter]

It’s depressing to see a former PM candidate be only known as “Liz-Truss ex-colleague”

[@CountScarlioni]

Let's face it, he was the rank outsider in that contest. A kind of sacrificial sop to the dying One Nationism enclave. Sounds like he's happier for being out of it all.

[@rjkmusicmedia]

A failed politician, armchair diagnosing his rival with ADD, whilst claiming he has the intellectual and moral high ground, is one of the most slimeball, pathetic instances I've seen in years!

[@resistancefighter9009]

I wouldnt take advice of a guy who doesn't brush his teeth.

[@bashirhersi2829]

He should change this and write his name

[@rhodriwilliams2599]

@@rjkmusicmedia bro, she’s FAILING! Someone trying to work out what she’s doing wrong isn’t claiming a moral high ground it’s being a reasonable human being. Her budget is a disaster.

[@dreadfullguppy19]

A very reasonable, civilised, educated gentleman talking knowledgeably about an extremely topical subject. I don't know about anyone else but I'd vote for him.

[@stuntmonkey6969]

And this why Rory isn't in charge, actually answering questions, it will never catch on! What a different world it could be though, love the guy.

[@petebateman3138]

Brilliant interview. Calm, informative and respectful. Enjoyed it cheers

[@AWest-ns3dl]

I'd vote Rory Stewart. He brings thought to politics.

[@slapshot0074]

Doesn't it make a change to have a straightforward interview where the interviewee (who can actually string a sentence together) isn't interrupted every two seconds and is also prepared to actually give an opinion? Brian Walden would be proud. Keep it up.

[@thehonestaspy102]

It's such a shame that the Tory's failed to realise what a genuine person that had in Rory Stewart

[@foreignofficeclub5815]

To be fair, they realised and that is why they won't have him anywhere near the current party.

[@mgarbuthnott]

Breath of fresh air. Like this fella.

[@LindaLooUK]

Always happy to hear Rory's take on events. If we could magic him into No. 10 I believe there'd be an audible sigh of relief from around this country.

[@powderandpaint14]

Not from me, he's still a Tory, it would still be terrible for the most vulnerable people in society and those who are disabled or on benefits.

[@johnpatterson6448]

This guy will get nowhere in English politics. He’s too intelligent.

[@BigSky1]

@@czech-street-workout4193 But true!

[@BigSky1]

@@czech-street-workout4193 That speaks volumes to me.

[@Christopher_J]

There are many intelligent MPs. What sets this man apart from the crowd is that he is willing to answer the "tough" questions that other politicians side step. He is also willing to be held to account on his ministerial performance. I remember an interview he done on the BBC breakfast programme when he was Prisons minister and he vowed to resign his post if specific quotas had not been met under his stewardship. It's not his intelligence that stands out for me (albeit he has plenty of it) it's his integrity and the care he takes in its preservation.

[@heyu123]

Yup cuz he’s not corrupt and big companies won’t lobby for him (another word for corruption)

[@hoxtondave9619]

Being "too intelligent" is not Rory's problem. He may have gone to Eton and Oxford and passed some exams but he has no capacity to think for himself. He is saying nothing original at all (and much of what he says is simply the sour grapes that often come with a political career that has ended prematurely), and is really no different in any material way from Tony Blair, except for the fact he is devoid of charisma.

[@susanshepherd7093]

he took part in a tory leadership contest, but they chose Johnson, who then threw him and all reasonable moderate tories out of the party. The mess we are in follows.

[@alanjackson5438]

Just the best interview I've ever seen. God bless ya Rory. Please bless this country with your talents. Maybe Kier will put you in the House of Lord's 🙏

[@johnburrows3385]

Rory would be welcome in the Labour Party. Whenever I hear him talk I think ,WTF he stood as a Tory .

[@peepshow090]

Just shows you how corrupted labour party is if he's a good fit

[@whatwentwrong4599]

Because he will be bullied by all his mates and family.

[@Spore6001]

Rorys' conservatism is from an era where really the major difference between parties was financial governance methods. For example, he was a believer in austerity. The thing is, the Conservatives have changed so rapidly in the last decade, and become so batshit across the board, that his political views now align more with labour than they do with his own party.

[@JT-si6bl]

Apparently, once he landed back on London reality (after walking across the Asian continent for a few years), he wanted to get into politics to 'get things done' by joining that party. Classic move.

[@andishawjfac]

Calling Truss parents "radical Leftists" and talking about "balancing the budget" and "not spending". Yeah, he would be right at home in Kier's Tory light party. Tony Benn and Attlee would be spinning in their graves.

[@monicacruz4407]

Nuanced, yes, not something we’re very good at anymore. Politicians like goldfish for people like goldfish. I want people like Rory Stewart in power, he actually thinks. We’ll soon see the back of Truss

[@carolyncross9950]

I could listen to Rory Stewart talk sense all day.

[@williammichaelcowling5248]

Yes he talked sense but there is a Big Difference in reality ... Professional Liar who failed badly when given a chance... Did he walk away or was he Sacked ......

[@yorkiegilly4355]

So according to the numb nuts on this site the nasty and untrustworthy Alistair Campbell & Rory Stewart make sense together ? one failed political advisor & one failed and sacked former M.P. neither of whom should be anywhere near British politics again looking at both their past history"s ! .

[@robertmears8558]

It's so hard to make any decisions in this world of spin and manipulation but I think Rory is a man of integrity.

[@JamesRandall47]

Rory for PM!, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

[@toonmag50]

I'm personally stressed about this never ending turmoil in the UK. It just never stops.

[@theenigmaticgamer]

This guy could well change people’s attitude to politicians. We need people like this running the country!

[@johnnymcnoodle27]

We've had12 years of his party running the country, that's the problem. The Tories are a plague on the nation.

[@18CDNSNO78]

Hilarious to see people in the comments rehabilitating someone who voted through every austerity measure put forward whilst he was in the Tory Party under Cameron/Osborne. You're like children who are amazed by jangling keys

[@greghill7759]

Mr Stewart is a rare bird in politics. Whenever he is speaking, whatever subject he is speaking on, he's always worthwhile listening to because you know you will always learn something. He's equipped with a healthy dose of empathy, humour, humility, intelligence, self-doubt and curiosity. The fact he was a Conservative M.P. is all but irrelevant. He only needs a further slight prod to the left, and he would be an asset to any party.

[@ruthwhall3020]

He'd make Starmer look silly ,I'd vote for Rory, he didn't lock an innocent man in Belmarsh prison unlike starmer ,and if he can do that I don't find him trust worthy, unlike Rory who I don't believe would be a usa pupet

[@BobK5]

Let’s stuff him and have him for Christmas, he’s a little twerp

[@greghill7759]

@@BobK5 "a little twerp..." Despite your cannibalistic tendency, what do you base that assessment on?

[@BobK5]

@@greghill7759 everything I’ve heard him saying on tv and radio a complete plonker

[@PerilousSelector]

and then you know he will vote for the bedroom tax and any other horrendous tory policy. Scum like the rest of them.

[@evo5dave]

Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell's podcast is a must for anyone interested in the current catastrophic state of government

[@hypnotoads]

thanks - I had no idea it even existed, but subscribed immediately.

[@jamespepper8297]

Will be checking this out, thanks

[@evo5dave]

@@jamespepper8297 You're welcome. It's called 'The Rest is Politics'

[@sbwords]

Is that Campbell the war criminal? I’d have more time for him if he had the balls to admit his lies and role in the death of millions. No wonder the man has mental health issues.

[@foreignofficeclub5815]

I am not a fan of his voting record but politics should have people like him in high positions. A true statesman in attitude, thoughtful and willing to learn and debate in intelligent ways.