THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

EPISODE 104 - Political Shifts, Financial Strategies, and Cultural Initiatives

In this week's episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Nikki White delves into recent political developments in Kent County Council and local issues affecting Maidstone and Medway. We also discuss cultural initiatives in Thanet.

• Restore Britain Formation: Seven ex-Reform UK councillors join Restore Britain led by Rupert Lowe.
• Political Dynamics: Restore Britain becomes third largest group at KCC; potential to challenge Liberal Democrats for official opposition status.
• Councillor Perspectives: Bill Barrett criticises Restore Britain's right-wing stance.

• Property Sales Strategy: Council sells properties to balance finances; notable sales include Railway Street Industrial Estate and Rainham Shopping Centre.
• Financial Outlook: Measures aim to strengthen financial footing ahead of budget meeting.

• Cozenton Park Issues: E-bikes and e-scooters causing disturbances; Councillor George Perfect addresses community concerns about safety.

• Isle of Culture Bid 2029: MP Polly Billington collaborates with artist Dame Tracey Emin on a bid highlighting Thanet's rich cultural heritage.

• Survey Findings on Violence Against Women and Girls:
  • Over 1,250 participants reveal significant concerns about online abuse and physical violence.
  • Public involvement sought for shaping future actions towards enhanced safety measures.

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

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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 103 - Local Developments, National Scandals & Community Campaigns

In this week's bite-sized episode;

Epstein Files & Cultural Implications: Discussion on the societal issues highlighted by the Epstein files, focusing on women's roles in decision-making and cultural changes needed to prevent exploitation.

Medway Council Redevelopment Plans: A 469-space multi-storey car park in Chatham is set for demolition, pending funding approval. The site will be transformed into housing as part of broader regeneration efforts.

Government SEND Funding Announcement: The UK government has allocated £5 billion to help local councils manage special educational needs deficits. While this move is welcomed, concerns about long-term funding remain.

Arlington House Safety Concerns: Freshwater property firm faces scrutiny over building safety at Arlington House, Margate. Residents may face high costs for necessary refurbishments.

Kent Water Outage Costs Revealed: South East Water's recent outage cost nearly £30 million. Local MPs demand accountability and preventive measures against future disruptions.

Polly Billington (East Thanet MP) discusses the need for more women in leadership roles within public life post-Epstein scandal.

Nishaba Khan (Gillingham and Raynham MP) emphasises stability in government while criticising past missteps involving Peter Mandelson.

Mike Martin (Tunbridge Wells MP) launches a campaign to reduce lorry traffic through Goudhurst village using community-sourced evidence.

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

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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 102 - Navigating Funding Problems and Local Government Challenges

Welcome to this week's bite-sized edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into the pressing political issues affecting our local communities. This episode is packed with insights from our dedicated local democracy reporters and a look at key developments in Westminster.

• Council Tax Increase: The decision by Kent County Council (KCC) to raise council tax by only 4% instead of near 5%, potentially missing out on over £10 million, has sparked debate.
• Opposition Views: Critics argue that KCC should maximise local funding before seeking more government support.

• Press Conference Insights: KCC leader Lyndon Kem Karen highlights financial strain due to caring for young adult asylum seekers without adequate government funding.
• Ofsted Report Concerns: Recent downgrades in children's services ratings add pressure on KCC's handling of care leavers.

• Budget Plans Unveiled: Medway Council reveals its draft budget, showing improved financial stability despite ongoing pressures like social care demands and inflation.
• Parking Charge Adjustments: Parking fees will rise slightly as part of efforts to balance finances through increased revenue rather than service cuts.

• Tunbridge Town Council Proposal: Plans for establishing a new town council are set for approval, aiming to ensure continued representation amid potential district abolishments across Kent.

• Westminster Discussions: Gravesham MP Dr. Lauren Sullivan raises concerns about victim safety in court settings; Justice Minister outlines investment plans aimed at better supporting victims and reducing domestic abuse crimes.

Don't miss further updates on these stories throughout the week via Kent Online. Subscribe to our politics briefing newsletter or tune into KMTV’s weekly politics show every Friday at 5pm for more detailed coverage.

For feedback or topic suggestions, reach out via email at kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk. Thank you for tuning in!

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

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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 101 - The Future of Local Government in Kent and the Role of Reform UK

On this week's episode:

Hosts:

• Simon Finlay, Local Democracy Reporter
• Dan Esson, Reporter for Borough and District Authorities in Kent

Special Guests:

• Antony Hook - Leader of the Liberal Democrats at County Hall
• Mark Hood - Leader of the Green Party Group at County Hall
• Alister Brady - Co-Leader of the Labour Group at County Hall

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Concerns:

• Discussion on whether LGR will proceed as planned or face delays.
• Concerns about concentrating power versus devolving it to communities.
• Potential complications with debt distribution among new unitary authorities.

Political Landscape and Elections:

• Insights into potential outcomes for upcoming elections, including tactical voting strategies.
• The role reform could play in reshaping local governance structures by 2028.

Reform UK's Impact:

• Analysis of Reform UK's influence on traditional party dynamics within Kent's political scene.
• Discussion on how their presence has altered inter-party relations compared to previous Conservative administrations.

Electoral System Debate:

• Exploration of proportional representation versus first-past-the-post systems.
• How electoral reforms might affect future election results across different parties.

Tactical Voting Influence: – Examination of how tactical voting may impact election outcomes, especially concerning keeping Reform UK out.

Future Political Strategies for Left-Wing Parties: – Challenges faced by left-wing parties amidst a fragmented voter base and competing interests from multiple small parties vying for similar electorates.

"This isn't devolution; it's about power being concentrated…and that's not democracy."

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

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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

KCC cuts £40k by removing office plants, Medway planning win upheld & UK mulls social media ban

Welcome to the landmark 100th edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, a bite-sized episode bringing you key highlights from around Kent over the past week. Hosted by Nikki White, Senior News Editor at KM Media Group.

• Jerry Clarkson, former leader of Ashford Borough Council, passed away this week.
• Served as leader from 2006 to 2023 and was with London Fire Brigade for three decades.

• Discussion on voter dissatisfaction with Labour and Conservatives leading to increased support for Reform UK.
• Insights from Ben Seyd, University of Kent politics expert.

• Kent County Council plans cost-cutting measures including removing plants across estates saving £40k annually.
• Plans also include transitioning water supplies from bottled to plumbed systems.

• Judicial review confirms Medway Council's lawful decision in planning permission for Chatham Docks' Basin 3 business campus.

• Consultation launched on potential social media restrictions similar to Australia's model with insights from Sojan Joseph MP.

Have your say! Email or send a voice note about topics you'd like discussed: kentpoliticspodcast@kmgroup.co.uk

Join us next week for our first bumper edition featuring special guests. Stay updated via Kent Online and sign up for our newsletter.

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

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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 99 - Reform's latest Kent members and Budget setting in Medway and KCC

Welcome to the inaugural bite-size edition of the Kent Politics Podcast for 2026, presented by Nikki White, Senior News Editor at KM Media Group. This episode brings you a concise roundup of key political happenings in Kent over the past week.

• Councillor Defections: Three councillors are joining Reform UK from Conservative and Independent backgrounds.
• Notable Figures: Includes Dakota Dibben (Gravesham), Lawrence Ball (Sevenoaks), and Barry Manners (Thanet).

• Draft Budget Published: After delays, KCC's draft budget sees council tax set at 3.99%, below government cap.
• Financial Risks Discussed: Concerns about adult social care costs and SEND provisions highlighted by Councillor Kemkaran’s deputy.

• Funding Settlement Reaction: Medway receives £23m boost but still faces financial strain; EFS likely needed again.

• Thousands remain without water due to ongoing issues with South East Water amid investigations from OFWAT and DWI.

• Focus on water supply issues as MPs demand accountability from South East Water leadership. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey calls for licence revocation during PMQs.

1. Simon Finley discusses KCC budget implications with Nicola Everett of KMFM.
2. Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin expresses scepticism towards South East Water's reassurances amidst ongoing outages.

Have your say or pose questions to our panel via email or voice note at kentpoliticspodcast@kmgroup.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

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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 98 - Traffic fine mistakes, changing face of Kent and special guest, Reform’s Maxwell Harrison

Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into local politics and current affairs affecting Kent. In this week's episode...

• Rob explores the issue of potentially thousands of traffic fines being issued erroneously in Medway due to inadequate signage.
• A case study involving Chris Lee successfully appealing against a fine highlights flaws in existing road signs.

• Dan dives deep into intra-British migration statistics from ONS, revealing Canterbury as having the highest inward migration within Kent.
• Dartford stands out for its high proportion of new residents coming from London.

• Nicky discusses Sittingbourne MP Kevin McKenna's advocacy for lifting the two-child benefit cap amidst rising child poverty rates.

• Highlighting community spirit, Moot Brewery gets recognition as one of their beers is served at Westminster thanks to Rochester MP Lauren Edwards' support.

Councillor Harrison shares his journey and political views:

• His transition from Conservative voter to joining Reform UK.
• The challenges faced by Reform UK since taking control over KCC, including factional disputes leading to councillor defections.

Harrison defends Nigel Farage’s leadership while addressing criticisms about reform's stability and potential long-term impact on British politics. He emphasises a grassroots approach despite critics labelling it a personality cult around Farage.

The hosts reflect on 2025’s major events like reform's rise in KCC elections and Labour government struggles. Looking ahead:

1. Possible changes following local elections impacting Keir Starmer’s position.
2. Continued scrutiny on Reform UK's governance capabilities amid internal conflicts.
3. Increased focus on LGR (Local Government Reorganisation) raising public awareness before upcoming ballots.

Exciting developments are planned for 2026 with format changes to the Podcast, introducing bite-sized editions alongside traditional episodes featuring more comprehensive discussions with two guests debating significant monthly stories!

Stay informed by visiting Kent Online or tuning into KMTV every Friday at 5pm for more engaging content around regional politics!

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

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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 97 - Action over HMOs, Question Time in Kent, and new group formed at KCC by ex Reform members, with special guest Cllr Connie Nolan

Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics podcast, where local democracy reporter Simon Finley is joined by Robert Boddy, Dan Erstin, and Nikki White. This week’s discussion covers a range of pressing topics affecting Kent's political landscape.

• Action on Housing: Medway Council plans to introduce an Article 4 direction to control the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This will require planning permission for HMOs with fewer than six occupants.
• Community Impact: Concerns include parking pressure and antisocial behaviour linked to HMOs.

• Wealden Condition Proposal: The City Council's Green Group pushes for developers to address sewage infrastructure before construction.
• Cabinet Decision: Legal constraints prevent imposing blanket conditions; council awaits water company plans instead.

• New Independent Group Formation: Expelled Reform UK councillors form 'The Independent Group' (TIG), led by Councillor Paul Thomas.
• Political Turmoil: Since May elections, several Reform members have been expelled or defected.

• Immigration Debate Sparks Controversy: A lively debate ensues during BBC’s Question Time focused on immigration issues. MP Mike Tapp criticises fellow panelist Zia Yousef for condescending remarks towards an audience member.

Connie Nolan shares her views as one of only two Labour county councillors left after Reform UK's significant electoral success. She discusses challenges faced by Labour candidates and reflects on Rosie Duffield's departure from the party, expressing disappointment over her timing and its impact on Labour's brand in Canterbury.

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

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