35 minutes | Friday, 5 September 2025
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 83 - Small boats, local government reorganisation, and special guest Colonel Tim Collins In this week's episode:Small Boats Crisis: Dan explores the dramatic rise of small boat crossings into Kent, tracing how this phenomenon has become central to British political debate and altered local election outcomes.Local Government Reorganisation: Simon unpacks Angela Rayner’s plans for streamlining councils in Kent. New analysis suggests promised savings may not materialise—could reforms actually cost more?Special Guest Interview: Colonel Tim Collins, famed for his eve-of-battle speech in Iraq, shares insights on military readiness, intervention legacy, and why he steered clear of frontline politics after leaving the army.Key Topics Discussed1. Immigration & Small BoatsRecent data shows a surge from hundreds to tens of thousands arriving via small boats over five years.The issue now dominates both local and national debates; parties compete over anti-immigration credentials.2. Local Government Shake-UpLabour's push to merge councils faces scepticism as new reports suggest minimal or negative financial impact unless drastic consolidation occurs.3. Defence & Security with Colonel Tim CollinsUK armed forces are “woefully unready” for future conflict; defence spending lacks public support.Reflections on Iraq war: Removing Saddam was justified but mishandled post-war planning fuelled instability.4. Political Disillusionment & Reform SurgeVoters’ trust is eroding amid perceived lack of integrity in mainstream politics—Reform UK capitalises on frustration with status quo.5. Green Party Leadership ChangeZach Polanski elected leader; signals shift leftwards (“eco-populist”), potentially fracturing progressive vote alongside Corbyn’s movement. Listener Engagement:Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Email or send a voice note: KentPoliticsPodcast@thekmgroup.co.ukNext Steps & Further Reading:Stay updated with:Kent Online Politics Briefing NewsletterKMTV Click Politics show every Friday at 5pm (Watch here)
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