Rory Stewart on the pain of losing to Boris, and near-death experiences in Afghanistan | Unfiltered

His CV reads like the diary of an eccentric colonial administrator - tutor to princes William and Harry, governor of a province in Iraq during the war, he has walked across Asia, including Afghanistan, delivered vital speeches about hedgehogs in the House of Commons and once upon a time Brad Pitt owned the rights to his life story.

But after being purged from the Conservative Party by Boris Johnson, he had no political home and instead turned back to charity work and podcasting, granting him more influence and wealth than ever before. Our guest today is Rory Stewart.

Subscribe to Unfiltered to never miss an episode:

[StateGiant]

He was my MP. He was the only politician that I've ever had faith in and I'm not a Tory voter.
I didn't agree with all his policies but he was/is a good man with a strong moral compass.
Parliament is worse off without him.

[glennsmith]

As a Labour man through and through I have nothing but admiration for Rory. In an age when we've literally got nothing to say, here is a man speaking with insight and conviction all underpinned by an overwhelming sense of decency and respect. In the ridiculous age that is the 21st century, he is a beacon of hope for the better angels of our nature. And a great interview too, you let him talk, well done.

[smoothsilk]

I nearly cried when I heard Rory say about giving aid directly to the needy rather than through these agencies who waste a massive proportion on administration! How wonderful!

[WillJ]

A tragedy that a man of his erudition and empathy cannot make it as a successful politician which says so much about the moral corruption of our political class

[whatwentwrong]

This man lost to Borris Johnson 🥴 Says everything we need to know about this country.

[timharris]

Thank you Rory for such an open and moving talk.
Thanks also to politics joe for the interview.
Please, please, please get involved in politics again Rory.
It really seems that the country has got lost on a lost, lonelywinter walk.
Deep respect, Tim

[bereal]

This is the calibre we need. People who are intelligent have empathy and are capable of working out difficult situations with self reflection, honesty and respect for their position and their responsibilities

[AlexGnfnfj]

I'd love to see Rory Stewart re-enter politics. He's intelligent, thoughtful, self-reflective and fundamentally decent. He's also leagues ahead of the total mediocrities who forced him out.

[TheOnlyJizz]

If Rory ran for office, regardless of which political party he represented, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat. The world needs more Rorys and an awful lot less of the self serving wankers we currently have calling the shots.

[greghill]

I cannot remember another politician who has caused such sadness at his departure from Westminster. It's hardly surprising that Boris Johnson and the Tory party let this man go.
Rory Stewart is a constant reminder that there ARE people out there who have the empathy, common sense, curiosity, life experience, tenacity and simple humility to inspire a country in order to try and make things work.
Whenever I see he giving a lecture, or being interviewed, I actually take the time and trouble to sit down and LISTEN TO HIM. That's probably why I've NEVER seen him trying to cover his own back when giving his opinion on any subject.

[Rory]

I'm no Tory whatsoever but I would have been proud to have Rory represent us as Prime Minister

[twelvebears]

As much as I would not vote Conservative, I can only wonder at how much better a country we would be living in if Rory, or people like him were in government.

[billm]

This man should have been PM not Boris. I'm not a Tory but I've always admired Rory.

[leedb]

Giving money directly to those who need it bypasses corruption, consultant waste and corporate greed, who would have guessed?

[HappyCodingZX]

"I came across a corpse with plastic bags on his hands and a face that had been eaten by birds, and it was at that point I realised this crossing was tougher than I was quite ready for". Classic British understatement right there.

[bereal]

Omg, am balling listening to the story of his dog, that's heartbreaking. Animals show more loyalty than most people. Rotten that happened

[chutneylanger]

I have a lot of time for this guy. For a politician he actually sounds sincere and reflective!

[rorykeegan]

Sums up the Tories that they chose the liar Johnson over Stewart, sheer madness.

[Wunderpantz]

A genuinely caring and thoughtful person. Politics doesnt deserve him. Always fascinating, respectful and funny.

[alistairthompson]

Brilliant. Poignant conversation and well thought out. I feel as though I've found someone who has done a lot of the mental heavy lifting for me.