Episodes
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...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST EPISODE 4 - Failure to Innovate, MPs Leaving and 11-Plus Problems / Gordon HendersonOn the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into local government issues in Kent, including housing development pressures and financial challenges faced by councils. We also discuss national political trends and hear from Gordon Henderson MP.Key Points Discussed:Brownfield Development Incentives:Michael Gove's statement on incentivizing local authorities to utilize brownfield sites.Efforts to balance housing needs with preventing overdevelopment.Medway Council’s Inn...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 3 - Cutbacks, Unpopular Police and Dodgy Pork / Jim MartinIn this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss the underinvestment in water infrastructure that has led to a potential decline in bathing water quality. We also delve into Medway Council's financial woes and their request for exceptional powers to avoid bankruptcy. Join us as we explore local government challenges across the county, dissect national political developments with our Westminster Watch segment, and chat with special guest Jim Martin from the Green Party.Key Points Discussed:Th...
Episode 2 : Job losses, Wine Woes and Rallying the Troops / Mike Martin Interview - 2nd February 2024In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we explore a variety of pressing political issues impacting both local governance in Kent and Medway as well as national politics. Host Simon Finney is joined by Senior News Editor Nikki White and Daniel Esson, who covers borough and district councils throughout the county.Key points discussed include:Medway Council's decision to invest £42 million into temporary accommodation for homeless individuals.The looming end of the Household Support Fund...
Episode 1: Libraries, Docks & Farage in Kent / Natalie Elphicke MP - 26th January 2024Welcome to episode 1 of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we bring you comprehensive discussions on both local and national political developments. This week, we're unpacking a variety of pressing issues that have been stirring up debate across Kent.Key Topics Covered:- **Local Government Turmoil**: We explore the rollercoaster situation with Kent County Council's library buildings – from potential sell-offs to sudden reversals. - **Chatham Docks Controversy**: The latest updates on the Chatham Docks devel...