Episode Highlights:

Political Skills & Leadership:

• Discusses the essential skills needed for a Prime Minister, including coalition building and effective communication. Critiques current leadership on these fronts.

Tunbridge Wells Local Elections:

• Liberal Democrats successfully defend seats, strengthening their hold over Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
• Future changes anticipated with the potential move to a unitary council in 2028.

Tribute to Councillor Phil Filmer:

• Reflects on the life and service of Councillor Phil Filmer from Medway, highlighting his dedication and impact over three decades.

Kent County Council Water Report:

• Examines severe water supply disruptions affecting thousands between November-January.
• Recommendations focus on improving communication and infrastructure resilience.

Labour Party Leadership Crisis:

• Growing calls within Labour for new leadership following poor local election results.
• Key figures express both support for Keir Starmer's continuation as PM and criticism of his leadership style.

Key Discussions:

1. The importance of narrative creation in politics – simplifying complex issues into clear communications that resonate with the public.
2. Analysis of recent local elections in Kent – outcomes, implications, and future political landscape shifts.
3. Reflection on community impacts due to water supply failures – understanding systemic faults and planning improvements.
4. Internal tensions within Labour Party post-election losses – exploring differing perspectives among MPs regarding party direction under current leadership.

In Memoriam:
Special tribute segment dedicated to Councillor Phil Filmer’s contributions across multiple councils over a distinguished career marked by commitment to public service.

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into the latest political developments across Kent. Hosted by Nicky White from KM Media Group, this episode covers a dramatic week in local politics and pressing issues affecting our communities.

• Reports have surfaced regarding hygiene issues at Darrent Valley Hospital in Dartford due to water supply problems.
• MP Jim Dixon discusses constituent concerns over inadequate washing facilities and bottled water distribution amid an internal fault causing potential contamination.

• The Lib Dems withdrew from their coalition with Labour due to demands perceived as undermining planning committee independence.
• Labour now leads a minority administration with Pip Hazelton stepping up as deputy leader.

• Independent Councillor Chris Spalding faces conduct investigation following controversial legal challenge funding related to Fembell Zoo housing development approval.

• Resignation of Chairman Chris Train amidst criticism over repeated failures and handling of water outages.
• MPs demand further leadership changes, citing poor decision-making impacting customer service.

• Kent County Council awards 21-year road maintenance contract to Ringway worth approximately £50 million annually.
• Green Party's Stuart Jeffrey criticises long-term commitment ahead of local government reorganisation that could hinder future councils' operations.

For more stories throughout the week, visit Kent Online or watch KMTV's politics show every Friday at 5pm. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on local democracy developments.

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast!

Join us for an insightful discussion on the latest political developments in Kent, featuring local democracy reporter Dan Essen and Medway Council enthusiast Robert Body. This episode dives deep into upcoming elections, council dynamics, and more.

• Tunbridge Wells Elections: Discover why this is the last election under the current model and how boundary changes have influenced recent outcomes.
• Political Shifts: Explore Tunbridge Wells' transition from a Conservative stronghold to Liberal Democrat control.

• Medway's Innovation Park: Unpack ongoing plans for business investment in Medway and potential future developments.

• Reflecting on one year since Reform UK's significant victory at Kent County Council elections.

• Hear firsthand accounts from Thomas Mallon (Reform UK) and Rob Yates (Green Party), who won pivotal by-elections at Kent County Council. They share campaign strategies, challenges faced, and their vision moving forward.

1. Thomas Mallon - First elected county councillor for Reform UK discussing his strategic approach during campaigns.
2. Rob Yates - Green Party’s first councillor at county hall sharing insights on engaging voters effectively through community involvement.

• The impact of national politics on local elections.
• Debating immigration policies between Reform UK's hard stance versus Green Party's compassionate approach.

The podcast concludes with reflections on whether it's time to consider proportional representation over first-past-the-post voting systems amidst changing political landscapes in the UK.

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host: Nicky White, Senior News Editor with KM Media Group
Podcast Episode Date: 24.04.26

Join us for a comprehensive roundup of the latest political happenings in Kent. This episode delves into significant local elections, controversial council decisions, and ongoing community debates.

Green Party's Victory in Cliftonville

• Rob Yates triumphs over Reform UK's Mark Ratigan by 301 votes.
• The Green Party's focus on empathy and unity resonated with voters disillusioned by divisive politics.
• Discussion on tactical voting trends favouring Greens amidst dissatisfaction with current governance.

School Street Scheme Controversy

• Michelle Oliver challenges Medway Council over unclear signage leading to fines.
• Despite complaints, the council maintains confidence in its traffic management strategy.
• Conservative calls for an extensive review following high fine numbers reported through FOI requests.

Cultural Strategy Adoption in Canterbury

• Upcoming vote on new guidelines affecting arts and cultural sectors within the district.
• Concerns raised about neglect of volunteer-run museums outside historic city centres like Whitstable and Herne Bay.

South East Water Leadership Scrutiny

• CEO David Hinton waives his bonus after widespread water supply issues but faces criticism from Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin for inadequate crisis management.
• Ongoing debate around accountability as residents face repeated outages due to preventable infrastructure failures.

Upcoming Elections & Political Landscape Shifts

• Analysis of potential shifts towards Green or Reform dominance ahead of future elections scheduled for 2027.

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host: Nicky White, Senior News Editor with KM Media Group
Podcast Episode Date: 16.04.26

Join us for a comprehensive roundup of the latest political happenings in Kent. This episode delves into significant local elections, controversial council decisions, and ongoing community debates.

Green Party's Victory in Cliftonville

• Rob Yates triumphs over Reform UK's Marc Rattigan by 301 votes.
• The Green Party's focus on empathy and unity resonated with voters disillusioned by divisive politics.
• Discussion on tactical voting trends favouring Greens amidst dissatisfaction with current governance.

School Street Scheme Controversy

• Michelle Oliver challenges Medway Council over unclear signage leading to fines.
• Despite complaints, the council maintains confidence in its traffic management strategy.
• Conservative calls for an extensive review following high fine numbers reported through FOI requests.

Cultural Strategy Adoption in Canterbury

• Upcoming vote on new guidelines affecting arts and cultural sectors within the district.
• Concerns raised about neglect of volunteer-run museums outside historic city centres like Whitstable and Herne Bay.

South East Water Leadership Scrutiny

• CEO David Hinton waives his bonus after widespread water supply issues but faces criticism from Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin for inadequate crisis management.
• Ongoing debate around accountability as residents face repeated outages due to preventable infrastructure failures.

Upcoming Elections & Political Landscape Shifts

• Analysis of potential shifts towards Green or Reform dominance ahead of future elections scheduled for 2027.

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into pressing local issues and political developments across Kent. Hosted by Nicky White, Senior News Editor at KM Media Group, this episode covers a range of intriguing topics.

• Former councillor Sean Holden raises concerns about a new strain of RHD2 virus affecting wild rabbits in rural Kent.
• The disease is highly fatal, with a mortality rate of 90%, posing significant risks to both wild and domestic rabbit populations.
• Conservationists and local naturalists discuss potential ecological impacts while urging caution before attributing declines solely to the virus.

• Helen Grant MP addresses ongoing challenges related to housing development pressures in her constituency.
• Advocates for prioritising brownfield land and infrastructure-led development to maintain quality of life without encroaching on green spaces or farmland.
• Calls for an urgent review of housing targets and greater involvement from water companies in planning processes.

• Investigation reveals Medway Council holds £20 million from developers intended for community infrastructure but underutilised, particularly funds earmarked for health improvements.
• Concerns raised over limited spending on healthcare projects despite available funds; focus has been largely on self-help health pods since 2019.

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Kent Politics Podcast. Join Nikki White, Senior News Editor with KM Media Group, as we delve into recent political developments across Kent.

• Labour's plans bring £20 million government funding for neighbourhood development.
• Additional funds aimed at enhancing children's playgrounds.

• A report by Kent County Council reveals alarming increases in fly tipping incidents over the past decade.
• Maidstone saw reports rise from 800 (2015) to over 2,800 (2025).
• Challenges include limited enforcement powers and financial burdens on private landowners.

• A young boy's struggle for suitable schooling due to complex needs highlights systemic issues within Medway Council's educational provisions.

• Swale Council debates housing concentration between Faversham and Sittingbourne/Sheppey.
• Decision made to distribute housing allocations more evenly across borough sites.

• The UK government's "Pride In Place" scheme allocates significant investment (£60 million total) for community improvements across three parts of Medway: Luton, Reed Common, and Twiddle.

Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk.

Stay informed:

• Sign up for our newsletter at kentonline.co.uk/newsletters
• Tune into KMTV’s politics show every Friday at 5pm or watch on demand at KMTV.co.uk

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 109 - 109: Council Walkout, Security Measures in Swale & a heated debate in the Studio

Join us this week on the Kent Politics Podcast as we delve into a series of heated discussions and local political controversies. Hosted by Rob, with insights from Simon and Dan, this episode unpacks the latest happenings in Medway, Swale, and beyond.

• A dramatic walkout occurred at a council meeting over a motion to declare an illegal migration emergency.
• Reform UK faced opposition due to concerns about electoral advantages related to an upcoming by-election.
• The walkout stole headlines but left questions about its long-term impact on local politics.

• Liberal Democrat Councillor Hannah Perkin proposed declaring Swale a sanctuary for immigrants.
• This symbolic gesture sparked protests causing damage worth over £10,000 during council meetings.
• Discussions are ongoing regarding increased security measures at future meetings.

• Evaluation of the controversial scheme aimed at reducing traffic near schools shows mixed results.
• While some parents report safer streets and more children walking to school, critics question the low response rate from surveys used in evaluations.

• Potholes remain one of Medway’s most visible infrastructure problems despite budget constraints limiting repairs.

Councillors Alex Paterson (Labour) and Andrew Lawrence (Conservative) join us for spirited debates covering financial strategies, road safety initiatives like School Streets, and broader implications for local governance amidst evolving party dynamics in Kent.

The episode offers listeners an inside look into how political manoeuvres play out within councils while tackling everyday issues that matter locally such as pothole repairs versus larger national topics like immigration policy declarations.

Stay informed with all things politics across Kent by visiting our website or catching up on past episodes via KMTV every Friday at 5pm!

For feedback or topic suggestions email us at kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk

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 on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.