24 minutes | Friday, 26 September 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 86 - Local government reorganisation, Channel Tunnel services back in Kent, and special guest Reform's Richard Tice Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast! This week, Simon and the team are joined by special guest Richard Tice (Reform UK MP) for a lively discussion on local council developments and national political shifts. Key Topics Discussed1. Thanet's £6.1m Green Campus ProjectDan dives into Thanet District Council’s ambitious plan to build an eco-friendly business hub at the Port of Ramsgate.Funded via Levelling Up money; aims to foster local enterprise but lacks private sector interest so far.Only two out of three buildings will be constructed initially—future plans remain under wraps.2. Medway Council Reorganisation DramaRobert reports on Labour-led Medway pushing ahead with costly reorganisation plans despite fierce Tory opposition.Conservatives label it a "vanity project" and challenge transparency over consultation with key services like police and schools.Decision called in for scrutiny—but Labour holds committee majority.3. The Push for Channel Tunnel Train Services in KentInternational train stops at Ashford suspended since Covid; campaign intensifies to reinstate them.Local MPs lobby regulators for competition against Eurostar, claiming huge economic benefits (£2.7bn boost & 500k extra visitors).Kent County Council planning events to promote the county as a tourist destination—details embargoed!Special Guest Interview: Richard Tice (Reform UK)Richard Tice shares his views on Reform UK's surge in popularity:“We’re talking about real issues that matter—immigration, high energy bills, government waste.”Immigration & Border ControlTice outlines bold policies if Reform leads government:Leave European Convention on Human RightsScrap Human Rights ActEnact robust detention/deportation lawsHe claims current systems allow “lefty judges” too much power over border policy.Economic VisionPromising deep cuts to public sector waste and quangos; proposes performance-related tax cuts funded by savings from axing inefficient spending.Electoral System DebateDespite rising poll numbers, Reform remains committed to proportional representation—even while competing under first-past-the-post rules.Local Impact in KentWith polling suggesting major gains across Kent’s parliamentary seats—including potential upsets—the party is keen to showcase cost-saving reforms already underway at council level (e.g., early loan repayments).Panel Analysis: Can Reform Deliver?Dan & Robert debate whether mass deportations or radical immigration reform are feasible—or politically palatable—for mainstream voters. Legal hurdles and state capacity pose big challenges; some policies may need softening before election day.Labour’s own review of indefinite leave-to-remain rules could shape future debates—and possibly take heat off Reform’s more controversial proposals.Listener Call-Out!Have questions or topics you want covered? Email or send a voice note: kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.ukStay informed:Sign up for Politics Briefing NewsletterWatch KMTV politics show Fridays @5pm (KMTV On Demand)
Thanks for listening to the Kent Politics Podcast - don't forget to check out stories throughout the week on the politics pages of KentOnline, and you can watch the Kent Politics Show on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.ukDon't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.