Episodes
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 48 - Devolution, Revolution, and Special Guest Kevin McKenna MP Is devolution the end of Kent's local councils as we know them? Dive into this week's gripping episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where big changes are on the horizon. Join Simon and the team as they explore the potential dissolution of Kent County Council, Medway Council, and others in favour of a new mayoral system. This episode uncovers insights from key political figures about upcoming by-elections in Medway and Swale Borough Council's shifting coalitions.Local Government ReformDevoluti...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 47 - Winter Fuel Allowance, Housing Developments and what's wrong with the NHS plus Special guest Dr Julian Spinks Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to understanding local and national political matters. This episode dives into pressing issues facing the NHS, housing developments in Kent, and community initiatives like Small Business Saturday.Key Segments:NHS Challenges:Discussion on systemic struggles within the NHS and care industry.Insights from Dr. Julian Spinks on Labour's plans for healthcare reform.Exami...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 46 - Housing, Housing & the first possible Kent Mayor contender with special guest Cllr Thomas Mallon Episode Highlights:Medway Council's Social Housing Review:Medway Council underwent a new inspection process post-Grenfell tragedy.Rated C2 by regulators; plans are underway for improvements.Key issues included outdated paperwork and non-compliance with decent home standards.Controversial Planning Development in High Weald:A planning application for homes near Cranbrook is back in focus after court rulings.The development has sparked concerns among locals ab...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 45 - Dirty beaches, Reform UK does the double and former MP Kelly TolhurstJoin Simon and the team as they explore the political landscape of Kent, providing insights into both local issues and national debates. This episode covers a range of topics from school initiatives to electoral changes.Key Topics:School Streets Initiative in MedwayExpansion Plans: Increase from 7 to 16 streets.Feedback: Positive response from teachers/residents; concerns about spillover traffic.Political Intervention: Tory demands for broader consultation may delay proceedings.Water ...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 44 - Farmer’s fury, the first Brexit domino, and Kent’s biggest solar farm, with special guest Polly Billington MPWelcome to the latest edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on both local and national political matters. In this episode, we delve into significant events shaping Kent's political landscape, from historical by-elections to contemporary infrastructure projects.Key Segments1. Rochester and Strood By-Election AnniversaryDiscussion: Reflecting on the intense 2014 Rochester and Strood by-election when Mark...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 43 - What new tax could mean for farmers, council at risk of bankruptcy and Special Guest Peter CarrollIn this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, our host Simon Finlay and the team dive into pressing political issues affecting both Kent and broader regions.Key Discussions:Medway Council Financial CrisisGabriel Morris reports a projected £11.2 million overspend by Medway Council.The crisis is driven by social care department expenses.An early budget release seeks to encourage funding discussions to avoid bankruptcy measures like a section 114 notice.Highs...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 42 - Schools going mixed, police misconduct, and the cost of special needs education, featuring special guest Cllr Mark Hood In this episode, we discuss pivotal local issues like education reforms and police misconduct while also delving into broader political dynamics within the county.Key Segments:Local Government Insights:The importance of delivering services at a community level.Challenges faced by councils due to insufficient funding from central government.Education News (Robert Boddy):Transition of Medway's single-sex grammar schools to coeducational...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 41 - Docklands, trolleys Budget bombshells and a broken bridge, with special guest Ashford MP Sojan JosephWelcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your ultimate source for in-depth discussions on both local and national political matters. This week we explore significant developments impacting both Kent's and the UK's political landscape.Key Segments:Local Government Updates:Chatham Docks Controversy:Medway Council’s planning decision stands as Angela Rayner decides not to intervene.Mixed reactions from local stakeholders including former...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 40 - Levelling up, pothole perils and the cost of a name change, with special guest Cllr Sean HoldenDive into the intricate world of local politics with Simon Finlay and the team as they discuss key issues affecting Kent County Council and its political landscape.Key Segments:Council Challenges & Name Changes:Medway's KMPT rebrands to KMMH at a cost of £250k amid criticism for long waiting times.The rationale behind the name change was to improve public awareness but faced backlash due to ongoing service delays.Levelling Up Struggles in Thanet:Thanet Distric...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 39 - Medieval Manor up for sale, Dover checks delayed again and special guest Cllr Antony HookDive into the Kent Politics Podcast and explore the intricacies of local governance, national affairs, and international relations. This episode unravels Medway Council's financial strategies, discusses delays in EU border systems impacting Dover, and highlights concerns over email scams in Maidstone. Plus, get insights on upcoming elections with Cllr Anthony Hook.KEY TOPICS DISCUSSEDMedway Council's Financial Strategy:Proposed sale of properties like Temple Manor ...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 38 - Obese children, Reform eyes KCC takeover and special guest Cllr Stanley ForecastWelcome to another engaging episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into both local and national political landscapes with a friendly, insightful approach. This week’s discussion features conversations with key political figures and reporters covering the intricacies of Kent County Council (KCC), Medway Council, and various local districts.Key Discussion PointsYouth in PoliticsImportance of young people engaging in politics to address issues like homeownership.M...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 37 - Rosie Duffield quits Labour, school place troubles and special guest Dartford MP Jim DicksonKey Discussion Points:1. Accountability of MPsExamining the expectation for MPs to consult constituents post-election.Debate on triggering by-elections if significant changes occur.2. Local Political LandscapeMedway's School Place Shortage: Impact of NHS recruitment on educational infrastructure demand.Canterbury's Public Space Management: Planters mistaken for bins leading to public criticism.3. National IssuesScrapping Ofsted’s headline ratings sparks debate; R...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 36 - Safer school streets, failing park and ride, and special guest Medway council’s Cllr Andrew Lawrence Key Discussions:Local Government ReformUnitary System Proposal: Debate on moving to a county unitary system to eliminate districts and consolidate resources. Discussion includes potential cost savings from reducing CEO/COO/CFO positions.Medway School Streets ProgramExpansion Plans: Overview of the school streets program in Medway aimed at improving safety around schools by restricting car access during peak times. Public consultation is ongoing for addi...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 35 - Care controversy in Medway, Shop stripped of licence after assault, is Reform trying to recruit Tory councillors and special guest, the Green Party's Rich LehmannEpisode Highlights Introduction: Welcome to The Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters.Medway’s Care Crisis: Robert Boddy reports that two-thirds of children in care at Medway are from other authorities, primarily due to cheaper accommodation.Dartford Corner Shop Controversy: Daniel Esson discusses a Dartford shop losing its...
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...