Kent Politics Podcast

Kent Politics Podcast

EP13: Big bucks, the Olympics and a public health warning / Cllr Stuart Jeffery

In this episode, Simon and the team discuss outdated voting systems and disparities in health outcomes and the impact of environment and lifestyle on health.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.

Kent Politics Podcast

EP12 : Medway potholes, a Whitstable town council and the Kent crime commissioner election / Canterbury Council Leader Alan Baldock

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.

Kent Politics Podcast

EP11 : Citizens advice cuts, a bridge too far and asylum seeker backlash / Mike Tapp, Labour parliamentary candidate

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.

Kent Politics Podcast

EP10 : More housing, more traffic and more problems with the Port of Dover / Cllr Kevin Mills

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.

Kent Politics Podcast

EP9 : Yvette Cooper, Planning Issues and Operation Brock / Jeremy Kite

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 addressed, highlighting resilience amid austerity measures and emphasising tough decisions to maintain solvency in challenging times.

Kent Politics Podcast

EP7 : Bankruptcy Delayed, Solar Farm Concerns and Budget Reaction / Vince Maple Interview

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.

Kent Politics Podcast

EP6 : Budget Woes, Levelling Up, 11 Plus & Biosecurity – Tracey Crouch MP Interview

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.

Kent Politics Podcast

EP4 : Failure to Innovate, MPs Leaving and 11-Plus Problems / Gordon Henderson MP

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 Francis. Chatham MP Tracey Crouch is stepping down for personal reasons while others leave due to abuse concerns. Dover District Council battles DEFRA over food check locations from Europe.

Lastly, Sittingbourne MP Gordon Henderson shares his retirement plans after 60 years of work and reflects on election unpredictability despite polls suggesting a Conservative loss at the next general election.