Episodes
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 34 - Disabled boy let down by council, controversial homes plan and A228 road woes. Special guest is Lib Dem councillor Richard StreatfeildWelcome to The Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. In this episode, Simon, Robert & Dan dive into the critical issues affecting Kent, including financial challenges, local governance decisions, and community stories. Key Topics Covered:- Financial Crisis in Local GovernmentThis year, due to increased demographic pressures, there's a need to find £80...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 33: Michael Howard – Reflections on a Political Journey In this special episode of The Kent Politics Podcast, Simon Finlay interviews for leader of the Conservative Party Michael Howard, Lord Howard of Lympne.Key Discussion Points: 1. Political Career OverviewElected as MP for Folkestone and Hythe in 1983.Served in the cabinets of Margaret Thatcher and John Major, notably as Home Secretary.Led the Conservative Party into the 2005 General Election.2. Conservative Party's FutureDespite recent electoral defeats, believes in the resilience and recovery potenti...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 32 - Special guest Tory leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat, council chasing £24m in lost tax, and anti-crime project loses funding This week’s episode dives deep into local government issues across Kent, including Medway Council's unpaid council tax dilemma, a major crime-fighting initiative losing its funding, and anticipated tax rises in the October budget. Key Topics Discussed: Unpaid Council Tax in Medway - **Issue:** £24 million of unpaid council tax over six years; total cumulative debt is potentially significantly higher. - **Causes:** Rising cost ...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 31 - Dirty Secrets, Far-right Fizzling and a Village Green, and Swale Independent Richard Palmer Episode Overview Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. In this episode, we delve into recent events in Medway, anti-immigration protests in Dover, and a controversial village green status application near Maidstone. Key Segments Anti-Immigration Protest Fizzles Out (Dover) Dan Esson reports from Dover on an anticipated anti-immigration protest that failed to gather momentum: P...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST EP30: Dodgy tweets, solar farms and crime commissioner Matthew Scott Uncover the pulse of local politics with the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast! 🎙️ Dive into a riveting discussion where our hosts, Simon Finlay, Dan Esson, and Robert Boddd, along with special guest Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott dissect pressing issues from solar farm controversies to prescription costs in Kent..Key Points Discussed: - **Local Government Insights**: Discover how councils are responding to proposals for solar farms on Grade 1 agricultural land. - **Ren...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 29 - Riots, children's centre closures and Chatham and Aylesford MP Tris Osborne Episode Highlights: Fake News and Societal Impact: The podcast opens with concerns about the influence of fake news on society and its potential to cause destruction. Local Government Insights: Dive into local government operations across Kent, including budget monitoring, service cuts, and council reactions. Westminster Watch Feature: Analyse the latest political developments in Westminster affecting both national and local landscapes. Special Guest Interview: Newly elected MP...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 28 - Special Edition - The 'Bionic Lord' Craig Mackinlay In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, host Simon Finlay sits down with former Conservative MP and newly appointed Lord, Craig Mackinlay. They discuss his harrowing experience with sepsis that led to the loss of his limbs and how he has turned a personal tragedy into an opportunity for advocacy in healthcare. Key Points Discussed: **Craig Mackinlay's Background**: Born in Chatham within the Medway towns, he shares his deep-rooted connection to Kent. **Sepsis Battle**: Details about how a seeming...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 27: Tower blocks, cameras and local government expert Jonathan Carr-West In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we explore pressing issues affecting local government and national politics. The discussion focuses on the financial struggles of councils, potential policy changes under Labour leadership, housing refurbishments in Thanet, traffic enforcement technology in Medway and local government insights from special guest Johnathan Carr-West - CEO o LGIU. FEATURED TOPICS: Financial crisis facing many UK councils Local government insights with Jona...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 26 - Solar farms, Medway’s future, court jams and Katie Lam In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we tackle pressing issues affecting both local governance in Kent and national political matters. Our conversation spans topics like immigration, solar farms, backlogs in courts, and the implications of new policies announced during the King's speech. FEATURED TOPICS Immigration Challenges: Addressing public trust by fulfilling promises made on immigration. Solar Farm Controversy: Swale Borough Council's costly mistake with Clearfield Solar Park. Medwa...
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...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 24 - UK Election Special In this special episode of The Kent Politics Podcast, we look at the results and implications of a historic UK General Election win for Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Our panel discusses his challenges as he promises change, and how various parties fared during election night. We also explore potential leadership contenders within the Conservative Party post-election losses. **Key Points Discussed:** 1. **Political Landscape Transformation**: The new political map has shifted from predominantly blue (Conservative) to a mix includi...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST EPISODE 23 - Hustings, more hustings and Electoral Calculus boss Martin BaxterIn this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into the final week of a riveting general election campaign. Our host Simon Finlay is accompanied by local democracy experts Robert Boddy and Daniel Esson, as well as KM Group political editor Paul Francis. They are later joined by Special Guest Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus for an in-depth analysis. The podcast kicks off with discussions on Labour's stable lead and how continuous negative press impacts the Conservative party....
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 22 - Election Hustings in Kent, KCC eyes £80m savings, and is Labour heading for supermajority? In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of local and national politics with a special focus on upcoming parliamentary elections. Host Simon Finlay is joined by Robert Boddy, Daniel Esson, Paul Francis, and this week's special guest Denise Scott-McDonald. The conversation begins with a review of Medway's election hustings where NHS issues and environmental concerns took centre stage. Notably absent were the Conservative candida...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 21: Private school SEND costs, cat bans, manifesto madness and special guest Howard Cox Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into the complexities of local and national political dynamics. This week, our panel discusses a range of topics including a unique housing development in Medway that bans cats and kids, spiralling costs of private education for children with special educational needs (SEN), controversial Tory manifesto policies on nutrient neutrality rules affecting Kent's housing developments, and insights from ...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 20 - Planning sagas, Eurostar and a mystery unsolved with special guest David Naghi In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast: We explore the controversial approval of Chatham Docks redevelopment despite public outcry and potential legal challenges. Discover how this decision has led to accusations of Labour's political U-turn in Medway. Learn about the faint glimmer of hope for the return of Eurostar services to Kent after a four-year hiatus. Hear insights into why these services were suspended and what future developments might bring them back. Dive i...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 19 - Farage back in Kent, radio star Iain Dale eyes seat and special guest Cllr George Perfect Welcome to another episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into the pressing political issues affecting both local governance and national policies from a uniquely Kent perspective. This week, we tackle an array of topics that are shaping our region's political discourse. **Roadwork Woes in Rainham**: Our discussion kicks off with the impact of persistent roadworks on local businesses in Raynham. Traders report significant financial losses due to redu...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 18 - Kent's major General Election role and special guest Gravesham parliamentary candidate Dr Lauren SullivanIn this week's episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we unpack the highly anticipated announcement of a general election set for July 4th. With Britain at a crossroads, our panelists explore how key decision-makers in local government across Kent are gearing up for the political showdown.Key Discussion Points:Keir Starmer kicks off Labour’s campaign from Priestfield Stadium - Implications for Medway and beyond.Rishi Sunak’s Downing Street declaration...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 17 - Former deputy PM Damien Green, Natalie Elphicke fallout and bus pass price hike angerThis episode of the Kent Politics Podcast delves into a variety of pressing political topics, both at the local level in Kent and on the national stage. We cover Dover MP Natalie Elphicke's party defection, controversial traffic measures in Medway, bus pass cost hikes, and more. Our special guest is former Deputy Prime Minister Damien Green.Key Points Discussed:Local vs General Elections: The impact of voter turnout differences between general elections versus local one...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 16: In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we unpack the recent local elections and their implications for the political landscape. The discussion begins with an overview of how conservative voters have dispersed across various parties, highlighting a significant shift away from traditional patterns.Key Points Discussed:Local Elections Analysis: Liberal Democrats secure control in Tunbridge Wells, whilst Maidstone remains without overall control. A detailed examination of these results reveals substantial gains for Lib Dems and losses for Conservative...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 15 - Docks decision, spying on the council and Rwanda. Special guest, Cllr Mike Baldock - leader of Swale Independents Alliance Group.In this episode of the Kent Politics podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of housing versus office space development in London's overspill areas, such as Kent. We examine how this affects local residents' ability to climb the housing ladder despite new constructions. The team delve into various political topics, including Medway Council's controversial Chatham Docks redevelopment plan and Canterbury City Council's local plan ...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEP14: Bracing for Dover chaos, 12,000 homes for Dartford and potholes row in Medway / Matt Boughton - Tonbridge & Malling Council LeaderIn this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we tackle pressing local issues from village hall debates to national political turbulence. Hear from council leaders grappling with the contentious process of creating local plans that never seem to please everyone. Discover how Medway Council's plea for road repair funding was met with a dismissive response from the Department For Transport, igniting a fiery exchange over responsibilit...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 13 - Big bucks, the Olympics and a public health warning / Cllr Stuart Jeffery of the Green Party.In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss a range of local and national political issues that are shaping the landscape in Kent. From electoral reform to health disparities across wards, the team delve into topics that affect residents' lives daily. We also explore the financial state of local government with an eye-opening look at council officials' salaries.Key Discussion Points:Electoral Reform - Our special guest Stuart Jeffrey from the Green...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 12 - Medway potholes, a Whitstable town council and the Kent crime commissioner election / Canterbury Council Leader Alan BaldockIn this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we explore a variety of pressing issues affecting both local governance and national political discussions. From pothole problems in Medway to the debate over new town councils and police commissioner elections, Simon and the team provide an insightful commentary on each topic.Key Points Discussed:Pothole Crisis in Medway:Robert Boddy highlights the severe problem with approximately 2,0...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEPISODE 11 : Citizens advice cuts, a bridge too far and asylum seeker backlash / Mike Tapp Labour parliamentary candidate.Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into pressing political issues affecting local communities and analyse national decisions impacting our lives in Kent. This week's discussions revolve around cost-of-living concerns, political rifts within Medway Labour, contentious asylum seeker housing plans, and an intriguing look at potential shifts in voter sentiment across the county.In this episode:- **Cost of Livin...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 10 - More housing, more traffic and more problems with the Port of Dover / Cllr Kevin MillsWelcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we unpack pressing political issues from a Kent perspective. In this installment, we delve into Maidstone's controversial housing plan, discuss health and social care integration in Medway and Swale, explore traffic woes in Sittingbourne due to rampant development activities, and analyse the potential impacts of new EU entry-exit systems on local travel.Key Highlights:Maidstone Housing Plan: Over 17 year...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 9: Yvette Cooper, Planning Issues and Operation Brock / Jeremy KiteIn this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into the significant infrastructure projects shaping the future of Kent. From housing developments to transportation, Robert, Dan and Sean along with special guest Dartford Council Leader Jeremy Kite, discuss how these initiatives impact local communities and address public concerns.Key Points Discussed:Low Thames Crossing - Public consultation shows overwhelming support for proceeding with a new crossing that promises cleaner vehicles, b...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 8 - Sewage Makes a Stink, Jam-Packed Roads and Why Top Tory Quit / Elizabeth Turpin InterviewIn this week's episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we navigate through the murky waters of local politics in Medway and take a broader look at national political currents. Here are some highlights:Medway Concerns: We discuss ongoing issues with river pollution as Medway Liberal Democrats call for regular testing after finding E. coli levels three times higher than safe standards.Canterbury's Local Plan: Canterbury City Council has unveiled its new development plan,...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 7: Bankruptcy Delayed, Solar Farm Concerns and Budget Reaction / Vince Maple InterviewWelcome to this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we examine local political dynamics in Kent and Medway, as well as national issues with a local twist. This week, we delve into pressing matters such as fiscal challenges faced by councils, controversial planning decisions on solar farms, health inequalities across different regions of Kent, and insights from Medway council leader Vince Maple.Key Points Discussed: Financial Struggles for Councils: - The Chancello...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEPISODE 6 - Budget Woes, Levelling Up, 11 Plus & Biosecurity - Tracey Crouch MP InterviewWelcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we explore pressing issues in local and national politics from a Kent perspective. In this episode, our host Simon Finlay is joined by Daniel Esson and Robert Boddy, seasoned reporters with their fingers on the pulse of local governance.We kick off with an examination of Medway Council's challenging week as they navigate budget proposals dependent on central government decisions while grappling with internal stri...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEPISODE 5: Navigating Political Currents - From Local Councils to Westminster Woes In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we dive into local government affairs across Kent County and Medway. We discuss the challenges faced by councils in setting budgets amidst financial pressures and explore how national political issues are influencing local governance. Our panel also delves into the implications of potential course closures at the University of Kent, roadworks disrupting Medway, and Sevenoaks District Council's controversial housing plans.Key Points Discuss...