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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EP27 : Tower blocks, cameras and local government expert Jonathan Carr-West
Friday, 26 July 2024
Unlock the secrets of local governance with the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast! 🎙️ Dive into an enlightening discussion on how political decisions impact life in Kent. From tower block refurbishments to controversial traffic enforcement, and heartfelt stories from a young Ukrainian refugee to Tory leadership speculations, this episode covers it all. Key takeaways include: - The financial challenges faced by councils and potential solutions under Labour's new government. - Insights into local housing developments and their implications for residents. - An emotional account f
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EP26: Solar farms, Medway’s future, court jams and Katie Lam
Friday, 19 July 2024
In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into the pressing issues immigration and local governance. Special guest Katie Lam, new Conservative MP for Weald of Kent, shares her journey from grassroots activism to Parliament. Topics such as the Graveney solar farm controversy and Medway's development plans are discussed alongside challenges in Kent's court system and implications of the King’s Speech.
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EP25: New Government, changes in Kent and Iain Dale
Friday, 12 July 2024
In the latest Kent Politics Podcast, Simon and Dan speak with special guest, Iain Dale who discusses his candidacy withdrawal for Tunbridge Wells and speculates on its possible impact. The episode also covers Labour's new policies on planning and energy in Kent, local elections, Farage’s Reform Party's rise, contentious development sites, and challenges at Channel ports due to the new biometric checks. As always it provides a nuanced insight into Kent politics and broader national trends.
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EP24: UK GENERAL ELECTION SPECIAL
Friday, 5 July 2024
Welcome to this special Election episode of The Kent Politics Podcast. After Labour's historic victory, Simon and the team discuss the shifts in Kent's political landscape. We dive into an analysis of winners and losers of the night: Conservatives' rough time losing seats; debates on party rebuilding and how new MPs will influence future directions; and potential leadership contenders post-election. Labour now holds a significant majority but must deliver tangible improvements amid high expectation and the challenge is implementing effective changes without excuses despite their strong parlia
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EP23: Hustings, more hustings and Electoral Calculus boss Martin Baxter
Friday, 28 June 2024
In this week's episode of The Kent Politics Podcast, Simon and the team discuss Medway's campaign dynamics, hustings insights highlighting environmental concerns and housing issues, general anti-Tory sentiments benefiting Labour, tight races across various constituencies, and polling updates with predictions of significant gains for Labour. The discussion also touches on demographic shifts affecting traditional Conservative strongholds and the limited impact of foreign policy issues on voting behaviour. This week's Special Guest is Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus.
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EP22: Election Hustings in Kent, KCC eyes £80m savings, and is Labour heading for supermajority?
Friday, 21 June 2024
In this week's episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, host Simon Finlay and the team delve into local and national political issues. Discussions include Medway election debates with Labour criticism over Chatham Docks, Folkestone's green-led council tackling financial challenges, KCC's £80 million savings dilemma affecting services like libraries, candidates avoiding hustings for scrutiny avoidance or safety concerns and Reform UK's rise impacting Conservative and Labour voter bases. This week's Special Guest Denise Scott McDonald, discusses her personal journey in politics, focusing on Seveno
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EP21: Private school SEND costs, cat bans, manifesto madness and special guest Howard Cox
Friday, 14 June 2024
In the latest Kent Politics Podcast, we examine Labour's potential election win and Farage's influence. Special Guest, Howard Cox of Reform UK sees support in Dover and Deal. Topics include local governance, planning, education costs for children with special needs, housing policies, and a contentious development ban affecting minors and cats. With expert analysis on party manifestos and trust in politics, guest Howard Cox discusses fair fuel pricing and immigration policy ahead of elections amidst deep Tory dissatisfaction.
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EP20: Planning sagas, Eurostar and a mystery unsolved with special guest David Naghi
Friday, 7 June 2024
This week's Kent Politics Podcast tackles the Chatham Docks plan, Eurostar service suspension in Kent, and KCC finance director Zena Cooke's exit. Simon and the team discuss these issues as well as Farage's Reform campaign and the Sunak vs Starmer TV debate. Later in the episode, special guest Cllr David Naghi highlights his political journey and commitment to resolving local struggles with infrastructure and healthcare.
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EP19: Farage back in Kent, Radio star Iain Dale eyes seat and Special Guest Cllr George Perfect
Friday, 31 May 2024
In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Simon and the team delve into Rainham's business losses due to roadworks, we examine Conservative Election strategies in Medway, Rishi Sunak's National Service proposal, the debate on lowering the voting age, and Diane Abbott's Labour Party reinstatement. Special guest George Perfect shares insights on Conservative prospects.
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EP18: Kent's major general election role and special guest Gravesham parliamentary candidate Dr Lauren Sullivan
Friday, 24 May 2024
In 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, the team explore how key decision-makers in local government across Kent are gearing up for the political showdown. Simon also interviews our Special Guest, Gravesham parliamentary candidate Dr Lauren Sullivan.
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EP17: Former deputy PM Damien Green, Natalie Elphicke fallout and bus pass price hike anger
Friday, 17 May 2024
In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Simon and the team delve 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 this week is former Deputy Prime Minister Damien Green.
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EP16: Local elections, Electoral Calculus polling expert Martin Baxter; and Dover MP Natalie Elphicke defects …
Friday, 10 May 2024
In this weeks episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Robert, Dan & Paul 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. Later in the episode, Simon and Matt interview this weeks special guest, Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus.
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EP15: Docks decision, spying on the council and Rwanda / Mike Baldock
Friday, 3 May 2024
In this episode of the Kent Politics podcast, we discuss London's office-focused development causing housing shortages and price hikes in Kent. We also cover Chatham Dock scheme approvals and the government's Rwanda migration policy. Host Simon Finlay is joined by reporters Robert Boddy, Dan Esson & Paul Francis for expert analysis on local politics. Also is this week's show, Simon & Dan interview Councillor Mike Baldock who addresses the need for affordable local housing solutions amidst London overflow pressures.
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EP14: Bracing for Dover chaos, 12,000 homes for Dartford and potholes row in Medway / Matt Boughton
Friday, 26 April 2024
In this podcast episode, we tackle the complexities of local planning and political challenges in and around. Discussions include the impact of housing developments in Dartford and Medway Council's budgetary constraints for road repairs. We also explore Dover's border changes and election speculation in Westminster. The episode highlights the delicate balance between public service expectations and financial sustainability, with insights from council leaders on infrastructure improvements. Paul Francis speaks with Tonbridge & Malling Council Leader Matt Boughton, who gives a personal insight i
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EP13: Big bucks, the Olympics and a public health warning / Cllr Stuart Jeffery
Friday, 19 April 2024
In this episode, Simon and the team discuss outdated voting systems and disparities in health outcomes and the impact of environment and lifestyle on health. High salaries of local officials are debated against financial challenges in government. Preparations for border security during the Paris Olympics and support for asylum-seeking children are also discussed. Special guest, Stuart Jeffrey from the Green Party wraps up by acknowledging listeners' participation and future political discourse opportunities.
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EP12 : Medway potholes, a Whitstable town council and the Kent crime commissioner election / Canterbury Council Leader Alan Baldock
Friday, 12 April 2024
In this week's episode, the focus is on Kent's local politics and its impact on infrastructure. Discussions include Medway's pothole issues, Whitstable's town council rejection, and the competitive police commissioner election. Canterbury City Council leader Alan Baldock speaks about financial struggles and traffic policies in Canterbury.
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EP11 : Citizens advice cuts, a bridge too far and asylum seeker backlash / Mike Tapp, Labour parliamentary candidate
Friday, 5 April 2024
In this episode, we delve into Kent's critical issues: the cost of living crisis, service cuts like Citizens Advice in Medway, and housing asylum-seeking children in Sheppey. Faversham Creek bridge restoration woes and Conservative polling declines are also discussed. Special guest Mike Tapp emphasises Labour's community commitment over single-issue parties and outlines a comprehensive plan to tackle immigration effectively, revitalise jobs locally, challenge companies on worker rights, and ensure readiness for digital border challenges.
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EP10 : More housing, more traffic and more problems with the Port of Dover / Cllr Kevin Mills
Friday, 29 March 2024
In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss Maidstone's housing plan for 17,000 homes and the strain on infrastructure. We examine Medway and Swale's health initiative, Sittingbourne's traffic woes, and Kent's potential gridlock due to new travel systems, the effectiveness of migration deterrents like the Rwanda plan is questioned amid domestic underfunding concerns. Simon & Dan speak with Dover District Council leader Cllr Kevin Mills about facing financial challenges with biosecurity checks at the Port.
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EP9 : Yvette Cooper, Planning Issues and Operation Brock / Jeremy Kite
Friday, 22 March 2024
In this episode, Robert, Dan, Sam & Paul delve into the pressing need for the Low Thames Crossing and frustrations with planning delays. We cover local political issues including housing plans near Canterbury, a community dispute in Ellington, and Yvette Cooper's visit to Medway. Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite discusses investments in local land safety and the economic impact of repairs at Orchard Theatre. The national political scene is examined with predictions about Conservative Party prospects and the detachment of parties from community needs. Local government financial strains are a
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EP8 : Sewage Makes a Stink, Jam-Packed Roads and Why Top Tory Quit / Elizabeth Turpin
Friday, 15 March 2024
Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, a weekly podcast that delves into local and national political issues affecting Kent. Discussions this week include Medway Council's E. Coli response, Canterbury's housing plan, road regulation non-compliance, a former MP's rise to prominence, and Elizabeth Turpin's departure from the Conservative group over policy disagreements.
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EP7 : Bankruptcy Delayed, Solar Farm Concerns and Budget Reaction / Vince Maple Interview
Friday, 8 March 2024
In the latest Kent Politics Podcast, Simon Finlay and the team discuss Medway Council's financial woes, Faversham's contentious solar project, and Kent's life expectancy disparities. Guest Vince Maple talks about his political journey and local challenges. The episode also touches on national politics, with Labour potentially leading in polls but facing election unpredictability.
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EP6 : Budget Woes, Levelling Up, 11 Plus & Biosecurity - Tracey Crouch MP Interview
Friday, 1 March 2024
Welcome 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 regular contributors Daniel Esson, Robert Boddy and Paul Francis. Simon also sits down with MP for Chatham & Aylesford Tracey Crouch to discuss, amongst other things, her decision not to seek re-election.
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EP5 : Navigating Political Currents - From Local Councils to Westminster Woes
Friday, 23 February 2024
In this week's 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.
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EP4 : Failure to Innovate, MPs Leaving and 11-Plus Problems / Gordon Henderson MP
Friday, 16 February 2024
In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Dan Esson and his team discuss housing dilemmas, local council debt, and political retirements. We also dive into Medway Council's paused Innovation Park project due to a shift in office space needs post-COVID, as well as it's significant debt and how it compares with other councils. The team also cover a public inquiry into village green status for land targeted for housing development near Maidstone and the controversy over 11-plus tutoring effectiveness amid Labour's proposed VAT hike on private schools. In Westminster Watch with Paul Franci
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EP3 : Cutbacks, Unpopular Police and Dodgy Pork / Jim Martin
Friday, 9 February 2024
In this week's Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss the neglect of water infrastructure in Kent and its impact on bathing water quality with Jim Martin. Also on this week's episode we discuss Medway Council's financial troubles, Dover District Council's budget shortfall, Swale Borough Council's net-zero challenges, public trust issues with Kent police, and the Green Party’s environmental ambitions. We also explore local councils' strategies to cope with national policy impacts and economic constraints.
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EP2 : Job Losses, Wine Woes and Rallying the Troops / Mike Martin
Friday, 2 February 2024
In Episode 2 of The Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss Medway Council's £42 million housing investment, debate on council systems in Folkestone, and the impact of proposed job cuts in KCC's children's services. We also explore political strategies for upcoming elections with guest Mike Martin and address local issues like infrastructure and immigration policies.
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EP1: Libraries, Docks & Farage in Kent / Natalie Elphicke MP
Friday, 26 January 2024
Welcome to episode 1 of the Kent Politics Podcast with your host Simon Finlay. In this episode Simon delves into Kent County Council's financial woes, Library threats, and Chatham Docks development controversies. We discuss the diverse criminal networks behind migrant boat crossings to Britain, explore deterrents like the Rwanda bill and the need for a global migration management plan akin to climate COP agreements is highlighted in a special interview with Natalie Elphicke MP.
