The Kent Politics Podcast
Welcome to The Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. Join us as we take a deep dive into local government across the county, find out what the key decision makers have to say, what your money is being spent on and how the party’s policies could affect how we live. Stay tuned for our regular feature, ‘Westminster Watch', where we dissect the latest developments and decisions shaping the political landscape in the heart of the UK’s capital. Engage with us as we delve into the issues that matter to you and explore the dynamic world of politics from a Kent perspective.
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Episodes
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EP71: More houses planned, fears over disorder, campaign success and special guest Stuart Tranter
Friday, 13 June 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 71 - More houses planned, fears over disorder, campaign success and special guest Stuart Tranter Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to local and national political matters affecting Kent. Episode Highlights:Local Government InsightsChatham Docks: Discussed as an example of local government challenges.Medway Housing Plans: Rob reports on public consultations about 350 new homes proposed for All Hallows village amidst infrastructure concerns.Antisocial Behaviour in Herne BayDan covers efforts led by Councillor Liz...
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EP70: DOGE arrives at KCC, another restaurant busted for immigration offences and special guest Matthew Scott
Friday, 6 June 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 70 - DOGE arrives at KCC, another restaurant busted for immigration offences and special guest Matthew Scott This week’s episode delves into recent developments across Kent County Council with a focus on governance efficiency, election costs, immigration enforcement challenges, and major housing development proposals. Key Segments: Election Synchronisation Debate: Discussion around holding PCC elections simultaneously with county elections to reduce costs and increase voter turnout.Insights from Matthew Scott regarding his role as PCC amidst low public recog...
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EP69: Medway's Local Plan, waste dump crisis, estate management anger, and special guest County Councillor Stuart Heaver
Friday, 30 May 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 69 - Medway's Local Plan, waste dump crisis, estate management anger, and special guest, County Councillor Stuart Heaver The episode explores Kent's political landscape, focusing on Reform UK's rise in the County Council. Key topics include Medway’s Local Plan delays, residents challenging estate management in Ebbsfleet, and illegal fly-tipping likened to "county lines" crime. The podcast features Westminster Watch for national politics and an interview with Green Councillor Stuart Heaver.Episode Highlights:Introduction: Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast...
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EP68: Council's botched traveller eviction, school farm closure fears and special guest, former KCC leader Roger Gough
Monday, 26 May 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 68 - Council's botched traveller eviction, school farm closure fears and special guest, former KCC leader Roger Gough Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. Join us as we delve into key issues affecting Kent, featuring interviews with decision-makers and analysis of policies impacting our lives.Episode Highlights:Local Government & DevolutionA deep dive into why Kent missed out on becoming part of the first wave in government’s local reorganisation.Fo...
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EP67: Red tape woes, illegal workers and special guest, KCC leader Linden Kemkaran
Friday, 16 May 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 67 - Red tape woes, illegal workers and special guest, KCC leader Linden Kemkaran Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to local and national political matters. This week, we delve into pressing issues affecting Kent with our team of reporters and special guests.IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE; Local Government Reorganisation: Reform UK's new leader in Kent, Linden Kemkaran, discusses her plans for KCC following a significant election win. We explore potential changes in local governance and how these might impact residents...
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EP66: KCC under new leadership, Labour bother in Dover and special guest Cllr Mike Baldock
Friday, 9 May 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 66 - KCC under new leadership, Labour bother in Dover and special guest Cllr Mike Baldock Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to understanding both local and national political dynamics from a Kent perspective. This week, we dive into significant shifts in local governance and explore how these changes might impact residents.Episode Highlights:Reform UK Takes ControlElection Shock: Reform UK's stunning victory at Kent County Council has reshaped the political landscape, ousting long-standing Tory figures.New Lea...
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EP65: Kent goes to the polls, disorder in Dover, and Labour lets suspended councillors back in. Plus special guest Martin Baxter of Electoral Calculus
Friday, 2 May 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 65 - Kent goes to the polls, disorder in Dover, and Labour lets suspended councillors back in. Plus special guest Martin Baxter of Electoral Calculus Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. This episode delves into the complexities of predicting election outcomes amidst a landscape filled with marginal seats and dynamic party politics.Key SegmentsLocal Election Insights: Explore the latest developments in Medway, including Labour councillors' reinstatement after suspension...
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EP64: Cost of democracy, Kemi visits again, and protests planned. Plus special guest, Cllr Teresa Murray
Friday, 25 April 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 64 - Cost of democracy, Kemi visits again, and protests planned. Plus special guest, Cllr Teresa MurrayWelcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to local and national political discussions with a focus on Kent.Episode Highlights:By-Election Costs in MedwayRobert Boddy reports on February's by-elections in Medway.Discover how £60,000 was spent for only 4,225 votes cast from an electorate of over 21,000.The cost per vote stands at £14.30; insights into voter apathy are explored.Upcoming Protest in DoverDan Esson previews ...
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EP63: Investigation reveals £20m of unspent funds, Premier Inn homes latest and special Labour's Roger Truelove
Friday, 18 April 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 63 - Investigation reveals £20m of unspent funds, Premier Inn homes latest and special guest Labour's Roger TrueloveWelcome to another engaging episode of the Kent Politics Podcast. Here's a rundown of what's covered:Local Politics and Funding DiscussionsIntroduction to Section 106 Payments: Dan opens up about his substantial investigation into Section 106 payments. These are contributions from developers intended to fund community projects like education and health. Surprisingly, Dan reveals through FOI requests that a staggering £20 million collected by Me...
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EP62: Spiky public meeting, council contractor goes under, and special guest Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus
Friday, 11 April 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 62 - Spiky public meeting, council contractor goes under, and special guest Martin Baxter from Electoral ReformWelcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters.This week on the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into the fluid and dynamic landscape of British politics with guest Martin Baxter, CEO of Electoral Calculus. Simon & The Team provide the usual insights into local government issues, upcoming elections, and recent polling data suggesting potential shifts in political control ...
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EP61: Farage, flat blocks, and park and ride flak, with special guest Nigel Farage
Friday, 4 April 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 61 - Farage, flat blocks, and park and ride flak, with special guest Nigel FarageWelcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. On this week's episode;Episode Highlights:Medway's Housing Initiative: Robert Boddy discusses Medway Council’s ambitious £42 million plan to purchase properties for temporary accommodation, aiming to counter rising private rental costs. The council is currently negotiating the acquisition of two blocks totaling 130 units.Canterbury's Park and Ride Dilem...
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EP60: Fire and rehire, university strikes, road plans, and special guest Alan Jarrett
Friday, 28 March 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 60 - Fire and rehire, university strikes, road plans, and special guest Alan JarrettWelcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide for insightful discussions on both local and national political matters. Join Simon and the team as they explore the intricate workings of local government across Kent.In This Episode:Medway Council Controversy: Discover why Medway Council is under fire for alleged "fire and rehire" tactics affecting swimming instructors. Learn about the council's restructuring efforts and hear from those impacted by these changes.Uni...
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EP59: Town misses out on £6m health cash, predictions for future of Kent's Councils, and Special Guest - Reform's William Fotheringham-Bray
Friday, 21 March 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 59 - Town misses out on £6m health cash, predictions for future of Kent's Councils, and Special Guest - Reform's William Fotheringham-BrayThe latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast delves into pressing issues in Kent, including a funding reallocation controversy in Medway, proposed council restructures, roadwork disruptions, and a political incident involving Reform UK's William Fotheringham Bray. It also touches on potential benefit system cuts and encourages listeners to stay informed via various platforms.Health Funding Controversy in Medway:Strood r...
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EP58: Two-year road closure rumbles on, Innovation Park finally gets tenant, and special guest Labour's Cllr Alister Brady
Friday, 14 March 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 58 - Two-year road closure rumbles on, Innovation Park finally gets tenant, and special guest Labour's Cllr Alister Brady In this week's episode;Key Segments:1. Innovation Park Medway UpdateDiscussion Lead: Robert BoddyHighlights:BAE Systems becomes the first tenant at Innovation Park Medway.The park is restructured with industrial focus and residential care facilities.A strategic move by Labour Cabinet following previous administration oversights.2. Kent Roadworks ChaosDiscussion Lead: Simon FinleyInsights:Interview with Neil Baker (Highways Chief) reveals ...
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EP57: Innovation Park scaled back, traffic chaos in Hawkhurst, and Medway hospital gets bad CQC rating - this week's special guest is Gary Cooke
Friday, 7 March 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 57 - Innovation Park scaled back, traffic chaos in Hawkhurst, and Medway Hospital gets bad CQC rating. This week's special guest is Gary Cooke.Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to local and national political affairs. Key Topics Discussed This Week:Medway's Innovation ParkUpdate: Plans revived for a business park near Rochester Airport.Changes: Shift from office spaces to industrial use; addition of care home facilities.Reactions: Mixed responses from former council leaders regarding site utilisation.Traffic Cha...
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EP56: Balancing the books, 40-year road scandal and special guest Rochester and Strood MP Lauren Edwards
Friday, 28 February 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 56 - Balancing the books, 40-year road scandal and special guest Rochester and Strood MP Lauren EdwardsWelcome to another episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to local and national political discussions. In this episode, we delve into key financial strategies at Medway Council, a long-awaited road project in Kent, and insights from Rochester and Strood MP Lauren Edwards.Key Segments:Medway Council's Financial Strategies:Overview: Medway Council is focusing on balancing its books by selling non-operational properties valued up to £34 mil...
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EP55: Redevelopments, Budgets and Henry Bolton
Friday, 21 February 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 55 - Redevelopments, Budgets and Henry BoltonWelcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide for engaging discussions on both local and national political landscapes. This episode delves into key issues affecting Kent, from council budget challenges to redevelopment plans and contentious planning inquiries.Key SegmentsMedway Council's Financial ChallengesSean Delaney discusses Medway Labour's financial hurdles.The council is optimistic about receiving £18.5 million government funding but faces setbacks with rejected tax increases.Public services f...
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EP54: Reform make progress, Tories receive good news and special guest Cllr Sean Holden
Friday, 14 February 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 54 - Reform make progress, Tories receive good news and special guest Cllr Sean Holden In this week's Episode;Local Election Dynamics:Labour's mixed results in Medway with Reform UK gaining ground.The impact of low voter turnout on election outcomes.Current council composition post-elections and potential shifts in power dynamics.Westminster Watch:Controversial discussions surrounding small boats crossing the Channel.Labour's new Border Security Asylum and Immigration Bill versus Conservative policies.Upcoming Elections & Predictions:Insights into private p...
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EP53: Devolution blow, MP comeback and special guest Cllr Ian Chittenden
Friday, 7 February 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 53 - Devolution blow, MP comeback and special guest Cllr Ian ChittendenWelcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your definitive guide to local and national political discussions. This episode delves into the complexities of local government finance, devolution developments in Kent and Medway, upcoming council elections, and rural crime issues.Key SegmentsLocal Government Finance CrisisMedway Council Budget Woes: Robert Boddy discusses Medway's financial struggles with a predicted £8 million overspend.Potential Bankruptcy Risks: The looming threat of a Section ...
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EP52: Three Dodgy Dealers, One Dodgy Copper and a City for Medway, featuring Sir Paul Carter
Friday, 31 January 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 52 - Three Dodgy Dealers, One Dodgy Copper and a City for Medway, featuring Sir Paul Carter On this week's episode: Episode Highlights:Empowering Entrepreneurs: The host discusses the importance of supporting entrepreneurs to boost the economy.Local Government Insights: Dive into Medway's bid for city status, police misconduct hearings, and a car mileage fraud case in Kent.Lower Thames Crossing Update: Learn about recent government backing and its implications on local congestion.Key Segments:Medway City Status BidMedway Council seeks city status as a last ...
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EP51: Taxpayer millions, Medway's Big Brother and MPs raised voices and special guest John Britt
Friday, 24 January 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 51 - Taxpayer millions, Medway's Big Brother and MPs raised voices and special guest John Britt Join us as we delve into pressing issues affecting local communities, from uncollected fines in Medway to a controversial housing development in Lenham. With special guest John Britt, Parish Council Chairman and campaign leader against a massive housing project, we explore the complexities of local government decisions and their impact on taxpayers.Key Discussions: Medway's Fine Collection Dilemma Robert Boddy delves into Medway Council’s new schemes like school ...
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EP50: Care Home Construction, Dover Defections, Local Government Re-organisation Latest and Special Guest Richard Hicks
Friday, 17 January 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 50 - Care Home Construction, Dover Defections, Local Government Re-organisation latest and Special Guest Richard Hicks In our milestone 50th episode, Simon & the team explore significant events across Kent County, focusing on council devolution and its implications.Key Discussions:Medway Council’s New Proposals:Plans to build and operate a residential care home for increased efficiency.Estimated cost: £26 million over 30 years for approximately 80 additional beds.Political Shifts in Dover District Council:Labour's transition from majority to minority admini...
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EP49: Money for Medway, Blue Bell Hell and a Piece of Yellow Paper with Special Guest Mike Martin MP
Friday, 10 January 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 49 - Money for Medway, Blue Bell Hell and a Piece of Yellow Paper with special guest Mike Martin MP Welcome to the first Kent Politics Podcast of 2025! Dive into a year full of political developments with Simon Finley and his team as they explore local government issues in Kent.Key Topics Discussed:Local Government Changes:Angela Rayner's Devolution Revolution: Potential for a county mayor by May 2026 and new super councils.Medway Council Budget: An increase in funding but still facing financial shortfalls.Planning & Development:Folkestone Planning Committ...
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EP48: Devolution, Revolution, and Special Guest Kevin McKenna MP
Friday, 20 December 2024
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...
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EP47: Winter Fuel Allowance, Housing Developments and what's wrong with the NHS plus Special Guest Dr Julian Spinks
Friday, 13 December 2024
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...
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EP46: Housing, Housing & the first possible Kent Mayor contender with special guest Cllr Thomas Mallon
Friday, 6 December 2024
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...
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EP45: Dirty beaches, Reform UK does the double and former MP Kelly Tolhurst
Friday, 29 November 2024
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 ...
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EP44: Farmer’s fury, the first Brexit domino, and Kent’s biggest solar farm, with special guest Polly Billington MP
Friday, 22 November 2024
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...
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EP43: What new tax could mean for farmers, council at risk of bankruptcy and Special Guest Peter Carroll
Friday, 15 November 2024
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...
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EP42: Schools going mixed, police misconduct, and the cost of special needs education, featuring special guest Cllr Mark Hood
Friday, 8 November 2024
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...
