31 minutes | Friday, 10 October 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 88 - Kent’s high streets, councillor defections, Badenoch’s balancing act and special guest Robbie Lammas In this week's episode of The Kent Politics Podcast.... Episode HighlightsMajor Defections Rock Local PoliticsMedway councillor Robbie Lammas joins Reform UK alongside four Gravesham colleagues.Discussion on the motivations and impact of these defections from the Conservatives to Reform.High Streets Under PressureAnalysis of the new "Pride In Place" government scheme aiming to revitalise rundown areas in Kent.Insight into planning reforms giving councils more control over vape shops, bookies and barbers—seen as symptoms of urban decline.Council Drama in MedwayVote of no confidence against independent councillor Chris Spalding following allegations of bullying and mismanagement.Exploration of local governance challenges and accountability mechanisms.Kemi Badenoch's Tory Conference SpeechReflection on her first conference speech as leader amid party turmoil.Will she survive until next year? Panel weighs up her prospects given catastrophic poll numbers for both main parties.National Scene: Division & ExtremismDover MP Mike Tapp responds to a tragic synagogue attack in Manchester; calls for unity across religious and ethnic lines.Special Guest Interview: Cllr. Robbie LammasRobbie shares his reasons for defecting:Loss of trust in Conservatives among constituents;Alignment with Reform UK's communitarian conservative philosophy;Frustration with local Tory response to issues like flag removal and asylum seeker redistribution;Reflections on personal attacks received post-defection—and why political loyalty should serve real change over tribalism.He predicts further defections—including possibly from Labour—and explains how Reform is building grassroots momentum by vetting genuine believers rather than opportunists.Polls & Party FortunesLatest IPSOS polling:Reform UK surges ahead at 34%, Labour trails at 22%, Tories collapse to 14%—lowest since June '09 for Labour, historic lows all round.Only 13% satisfied with Keir Starmer as PM; widespread dissatisfaction signals turbulent times ahead for both major parties.Panel analysis:Both Tories and Labour punished for failing to tackle small boat crossings. Voters increasingly pick out key manifesto points that matter most personally—making protest votes more common than ever before.Key TakeawaysKent’s Political Landscape Is Shifting Fast: Defections signal deep dissatisfaction within traditional party ranks; expect more movement toward populist alternatives like Reform UK.Local Issues Matter More Than Ever: Cost-of-living pressures, high street decay, immigration policy—all driving voter behaviour locally as well as nationally.Leadership Uncertainty Looms Large: Kemi Badenoch faces an uphill battle; neither main party can take its base or future leadership security for granted amid record-low satisfaction ratings.Connect With Us!Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us or send a voice note:📧 kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.ukStay updated: 🔗 KentOnline – Politics Briefing Newsletter📺 Watch the Kent Politics show every Friday at 5pm on KMTVFor more info about this podcast visit: im-listening.co.uk
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