Kent Politics Podcast

Kent Politics Podcast

EP22: Election Hustings in Kent, KCC eyes £80m savings, and is Labour heading for supermajority?

In this week’s episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, host Simon Finlay and the team delve into local and national political issues. Discussions include Medway election debates with Labour criticism over Chatham Docks, Folkestone’s green-led council tackling financial challenges, KCC’s £80 million savings dilemma affecting services like libraries, candidates avoiding hustings for scrutiny avoidance or safety concerns and Reform UK’s rise impacting Conservative and Labour voter bases. This week’s Special Guest Denise Scott McDonald, discusses her personal journey in politics, focusing on Sevenoaks constituency campaign challenges amidst changing demographics and tactical voting considerations.

EP22: Election Hustings in Kent, KCC eyes £80m savings, and is Labour heading for supermajority? Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP21: Private school SEND costs, cat bans, manifesto madness and special guest Howard Cox

In the latest Kent Politics Podcast, we examine Labour’s potential election win and Farage’s influence. Special Guest, Howard Cox of Reform UK sees support in Dover and Deal. Topics include local governance, planning, education costs for children with special needs, housing policies, and a contentious development ban affecting minors and cats. With expert analysis on party manifestos and trust in politics, guest Howard Cox discusses fair fuel pricing and immigration policy ahead of elections amidst deep Tory dissatisfaction.

EP21: Private school SEND costs, cat bans, manifesto madness and special guest Howard Cox Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP20: Planning sagas, Eurostar and a mystery unsolved with special guest David Naghi

This week’s Kent Politics Podcast tackles the Chatham Docks plan, Eurostar service suspension in Kent, and KCC finance director Zena Cooke’s exit. Simon and the team discuss these issues as well as Farage’s Reform campaign and the Sunak vs Starmer TV debate. Later in the episode, special guest Cllr David Naghi highlights his political journey and commitment to resolving local struggles with infrastructure and healthcare.

EP20: Planning sagas, Eurostar and a mystery unsolved with special guest David Naghi Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP19: Farage back in Kent, Radio star Iain Dale eyes seat and Special Guest Cllr George Perfect

In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Simon and the team delve into Rainham’s business losses due to roadworks, we examine Conservative Election strategies in Medway, Rishi Sunak’s National Service proposal, the debate on lowering the voting age, and Diane Abbott’s Labour Party reinstatement. Special guest George Perfect shares insights on Conservative prospects.

EP19: Farage back in Kent, Radio star Iain Dale eyes seat and Special Guest Cllr George Perfect Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP18: Kent’s major general election role and special guest Gravesham parliamentary candidate Dr Lauren Sullivan

In this week’s episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we unpack the highly anticipated announcement of a general election set for July 4th. With Britain at a crossroads, the team explore how key decision-makers in local government across Kent are gearing up for the political showdown. Simon also interviews our Special Guest, Gravesham parliamentary candidate Dr Lauren Sullivan.

EP18: Kent’s major general election role and special guest Gravesham parliamentary candidate Dr Lauren Sullivan Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP17: Former deputy PM Damien Green, Natalie Elphicke fallout and bus pass price hike anger

In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Simon and the team delve into a variety of pressing political topics, both at the local level in Kent and on the national stage. We cover Dover MP Natalie Elphicke’s party defection, controversial traffic measures in Medway, bus pass cost hikes, and more. Our special guest this week is former Deputy Prime Minister Damien Green.

EP17: Former deputy PM Damien Green, Natalie Elphicke fallout and bus pass price hike anger Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP16: Local elections, Electoral Calculus polling expert Martin Baxter; and Dover MP Natalie Elphicke defects …

In this weeks episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Robert, Dan & Paul unpack the recent local elections and their implications for the political landscape. The discussion begins with an overview of how conservative voters have dispersed across various parties, highlighting a significant shift away from traditional patterns. Later in the episode, Simon and Matt interview this weeks special guest, Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus.

EP16: Local elections, Electoral Calculus polling expert Martin Baxter; and Dover MP Natalie Elphicke defects … Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP15: Docks decision, spying on the council and Rwanda / Mike Baldock

In this episode of the Kent Politics podcast, we discuss London’s office-focused development causing housing shortages and price hikes in Kent. We also cover Chatham Dock scheme approvals and the government’s Rwanda migration policy. Host Simon Finlay is joined by reporters Robert Boddy, Dan Esson & Paul Francis for expert analysis on local politics. Also is this week’s show, Simon & Dan interview Councillor Mike Baldock who addresses the need for affordable local housing solutions amidst London overflow pressures.

EP15: Docks decision, spying on the council and Rwanda / Mike Baldock Read More »

Kent Politics Podcast

EP14: Bracing for Dover chaos, 12,000 homes for Dartford and potholes row in Medway / Matt Boughton

In this podcast episode, we tackle the complexities of local planning and political challenges in and around. Discussions include the impact of housing developments in Dartford and Medway Council’s budgetary constraints for road repairs. We also explore Dover’s border changes and election speculation in Westminster. The episode highlights the delicate balance between public service expectations and financial sustainability, with insights from council leaders on infrastructure improvements. Paul Francis speaks with Tonbridge & Malling Council Leader Matt Boughton, who gives a personal insight into potential future bids for parliamentary positions, whilst emphasising a commitment to community service.

EP14: Bracing for Dover chaos, 12,000 homes for Dartford and potholes row in Medway / Matt Boughton Read More »

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.

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