Rory Stewart’s top podcast ‘The Rest Is Politics’ lifts the lid on the secrets of Westminster. His Sunday Times #1 best-selling book ‘Politics On The Edge’ offers a searing insider’s account of ten extraordinary years in Parliament.

Now hear live from the former Cabinet minister, who will be in conversation with Conservative Peer Ruth Davidson, covering the topics of the day and insights into political life with trademark candour and wit.

Rory Stewart is the Brady-Johnson Professor of Grand Strategy at Yale University – a former UK cabinet minister and diplomat and Member of Parliament for Penrith and the Border.

He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was a professor at Harvard University and has written a number of bestselling books. His book “the Marches” and his BBC documentary “Borderland” focuses on the history of Cumbria. He currently teaches Grand Strategy at Yale University and Co-present the UK’s top podcast, The Rest Is Politics, with Alastair Campbell.

Previously, Rory was the UK Secretary of State for International Development, Minister of State for Justice, Minister of State in Foreign Office and DFID (covering Africa, Middle East, and Asia), Minister for the Environment and Chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee.

After a brief period as an infantry officer he joined the UK Diplomatic Service, serving overseas in Jakarta, as British representative to Montenegro in the wake of the Kosovo crisis, and as the coalition Deputy-Governor of two provinces of Southern Iraq following the intervention of 2003. He left the diplomatic service to undertake a two-year walk across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal.

In 2005, he established the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Kabul, working to restore a section of the old city, establish a clinic, primary school, and Arts Institute, and bring Afghan crafts to international markets. In 2008, he became the Ryan Professor of Human Rights at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director for the Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy.

Rory has also written four books: The Places in Between, Occupational Hazards or The Prince of the Marshes, Can Intervention Work? and The Marches. With a fifth that launched in September 2023 – Politics on the Edge: A Memoir from Within.

Rory will be available for a (time-limited) book signing after the event. His book will be available to purchase at the event, during Fringe by the Sea (1-10 August) through Night Owl Books.

This is a seated event. The Big Top venue is wheelchair accessible. 

Live captioning is available at this event. 

If you require further information on accessibility please visit our Accessibility Guide or contact info@fringebythesea.com 

All ages are welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.