THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST
Episode 60 – Fire and rehire, university strikes, road plans, and special guest Alan Jarrett
Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide for insightful discussions on both local and national political matters. Join Simon and the team as they explore the intricate workings of local government across Kent.
In This Episode:
Medway Council Controversy: Discover why Medway Council is under fire for alleged “fire and rehire” tactics affecting swimming instructors. Learn about the council’s restructuring efforts and hear from those impacted by these changes.
University of Kent Strikes: Dive into the ongoing strikes at the University of Kent over job security concerns amidst financial troubles. Reporter Dan Essen provides an overview of staff demands and institutional challenges facing higher education in Britain.
Gall Hill Road Landslip Update: Simon reports from a public meeting addressing long-standing transport issues due to a significant landslip in Swanscombe. Explore potential solutions being considered by authorities, including costly infrastructure projects requiring government loans.
Special Guest Interview:
Alan Jarrett – Former Leader of Medway Council
Alan Jarrett shares insights from his extensive career in local politics, reflecting on his tenure as leader during pivotal moments like COVID-19 management and electoral victories. He discusses:
- Challenges faced when stepping down after nearly 23 years.
- The intricacies behind failed attempts to update Medway’s local plan.
- His perspective on Labour’s current administration handling finances post-Conservative leadership.
Jarrett candidly critiques Labour’s fiscal strategies while acknowledging past hurdles within his party regarding policy execution.
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 with Rob Bailey on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at http://www.kmtv.co.uk
Don’t forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at http://www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.