32 minutes | Friday, 12 July 2024
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 25 - New government, changes in Kent and Iain Dale This Week’s Topics: Local government insights from Simon Finlay and Dan Esson Paul Francis' analysis on Westminster happenings. Special guest Iain Dale shares his brief candidacy journey for Tunbridge Wells. Key Discussion Points: Labour's Planning Policies & Impact on Kent: Speculation about Labour’s housing plans post-election victory. Debate over green belt areas potentially becoming buildable zones. Energy Infrastructure Developments: Potential revival of onshore wind farm projects in Kent. Discussions around small modular nuclear reactors at Dungeness power station. County Council Elections Outlook: Nigel Farage's Reform Party gearing up for elections against a backdrop of Tory defeat. Tories face challenges ahead with potential vote splits favouring opposition parties. Planning Reforms & Public Reception: Government proposals could force revisiting previously rejected sites which might not sit well with locals concerned about infrastructure overload alongside new developments. Travel Checks & Border Concerns at Dover: New biometric checks for non-EU travellers raise logistical concerns; possible delays anticipated at channel ports like Dover. Leadership Vacuum Post-Election Results: Speculations on potential candidates vying for leader of the opposition role within Conservative ranks. Iain Dale Reflects on Tunbridge Wells Shift: Discusses historical conservative stronghold turning Liberal Democrat due to both national trends and dissatisfaction with local council management. Guest Spotlight – Iain Dale: Radio host Iain Dale discusses his short-lived run as a candidate, offering insight into campaign strategies, media relations, and the surprising turnabout in Tunbridge Wells voting patterns.
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