THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST
Episode 75 – Farage in Kent, public safety in Dover, and special guest ,expelled Labour councillor Jamie Pout.
Episode Overview:
This week’s episode of The Kent Politics Podcast dives deep into the latest local government developments and simmering tensions within the Labour Party. Special guest Jamie Pout, former Deputy Leader of Dover District Council, opens up about his high-profile expulsion from Labour and the factional strife dividing the party. The panel also unpacks a busy week in Kent politics—from Nigel Farage’s visit to County Hall to contentious public service debates and the local impact of Royal Mail’s delivery trial.
What’s Covered in This Episode:
Jamie Pout’s Expulsion from Labour:
Jamie shares his journey into politics, the rise to district council deputy leader, and his shock at being expelled from the Labour Party. He discusses the allegations against him, his fallout with local MP Mike Tapp, and his commitment to progressive values despite party in-fighting.
National and Local Labour Party Struggles:
The conversation pivots to the broader direction of the Labour Party, with Jamie’s critical take on its move to the right, internal discipline processes, and whether it still represents core left-wing principles.
Nigel Farage’s Visit to Kent:
Matt recaps Nigel Farage’s appearance at County Hall, his push for abolishing Kent County Council, proposed efficiency drives, and provocative stances on public spending—including the high costs of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school transport.
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Dover:
Dan covers Dover District Council’s new measures targeting antisocial public drinking and disorderly behaviour, their rationale, and how enforcement will work in practice.
Royal Mail’s Controversial Delivery Trial:
Nikki discusses growing frustrations around delayed post due to Royal Mail’s delivery pilot in Tunbridge and Malling, the impact on important correspondence, and mounting pressure from local MPs to end the trial.
SEND School Transport Debate:
The panel tackles the thorny issue of high SEND transport costs, weighing vital service needs against public finances, and discussing why costs have rocketed—policy, demand, and outsourcing all come under scrutiny.
Looking Ahead—Local and National Political Fallout:
As new left-wing parties are forming and political loyalties shift, Jamie reflects on the future of progressive politics in Kent, his next steps as an independent, and whether he would ever return to Labour or join a splinter movement.
Key Quote:
“This is an individual that claims the Labour Party isn’t the party of welfare…if that’s the case then I’m quite happy being outside the Labour Party.” – Jamie Pout
Get Involved:
Got a political question or local issue for the panel? Email or send a voice note via kentpoliticspodcast.co.uk.
Further Reading & Watching:
Visit KentOnline for daily political coverage
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Watch KMTV’s Politics Show every Friday at 5pm (kmtv.co.uk)
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