Kent Politics Podcast

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.

In this week’s episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we dive into local government affairs across Kent County and Medway. We discuss the challenges faced by councils in setting budgets amidst financial pressures and explore how national political issues are influencing local governance.

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.

In this week’s Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss the neglect of water infrastructure in Kent and its impact on bathing water quality with Jim Martin. Also on this week’s episode we discuss Medway Council’s financial troubles, Dover District Council’s budget shortfall, Swale Borough Council’s net-zero challenges, public trust issues with Kent police, and the Green Party’s environmental ambitions. We also explore local councils’ strategies to cope with national policy impacts and economic constraints.

In Episode 2 of The Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss Medway Council’s £42 million housing investment, debate on council systems in Folkestone, and the impact of proposed job cuts in KCC’s children’s services. We also explore political strategies for upcoming elections with guest Mike Martin and address local issues like infrastructure and immigration policies.

Welcome to episode 1 of the Kent Politics Podcast with your host Simon Finlay. In this episode Simon delves into Kent County Council’s financial woes, Library threats, and Chatham Docks development controversies. We discuss the diverse criminal networks behind migrant boat crossings to Britain, explore deterrents like the Rwanda bill and the need for a global migration management plan akin to climate COP agreements is highlighted in a special interview with Natalie Elphicke MP.

Launching in January 2024