The Kent Politics Podcast

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120

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters.

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60 recent

June 11, 202610 min

The Future of Kent Councils, Housing Concerns and a 43-Year Mystery

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Overview: Welcome to the latest edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, brought to you by KM Media Group. Join Nikki White, Senior News Editor, as she delves into pressing political developments across Kent. Key Topics Discussed: Local Government Reorganisation in Kent: Medway Council has allocated £7 million for its transition into new councils by 2028. Breakdown of funds and their intended uses within Medway and contributions from other councils like Dartford, Sevenoaks, and Folkestone & Hythe. Awaiting government's decision on the structure of new authorities expected in July. Water Supply Crisis Concerns: Maidstone Borough Council's Stuart Jeffrey calls for a halt on large-scale housing projects due to water supply issues. Focus on Lenham Heath development opposed due to potential infrastructure strain. Post Office Miscarriage of Justice Case: Businessman Simon Edgecumbe seeks justice over an alleged wrongful conviction linked to a post office transaction. MP Helen Whateley supports his case amidst ongoing investigations following revelations from the Horizon scandal. Domestic Abuse Awareness During World Cup: Highlighting increased domestic abuse rates during England matches. Councillor Vince Maple promotes vigilance through the "No See Speak Out" campaign against domestic violence. Additional Content Highlights: Encouragement for listener engagement with podcast topics via email or voice note submissions. Coverage includes exclusive stories such as historical legal injustices featured on Kent Online. Call To Action: Have your say! Share your thoughts or questions about local politics at kentpoliticspodcast@kmgroup.co.uk Stay informed with more news and updates at Kent Online and sign up for our newsletter! Tune In: Catch more discussions every Friday at 5 PM on KMTV's politics show or watch it online anytime 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.ukDon'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.

June 4, 202617 min

EP 119: Fire Concerns, Water Outrage and Planning Battles

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Highlights: South East Water Accountability Discussion on the need for government intervention to hold South East Water accountable due to repeated failures in providing reliable water supply. Canterbury City Council Leader Alan Baldock and Maidstone Council leader Stuart Jeffrey express concerns, suggesting nationalisation as a potential solution. Medway Fire Concerns Ongoing issues with fires at the former St. John Fisher School building in Chatham prompt calls from Councillor Harinda Mahil for developer action or demolition. Nine fires since 2022 raise health and safety concerns among residents. Sevenoaks Solar Farm Rejection Local opposition leads to rejection of plans for a large solar farm in New Ash Green by district councillors. Evolution Power may appeal, citing lack of objections from key statutory bodies. Water Supply Issues in Kent Politicians criticise South East Water's handling of recent outages affecting coastal areas like Whitstable and Herne Bay. Calls for improved investment and communication from the company are highlighted by local MPs. Kent County Council Traditions Revived Controversial decision to recite the Lord’s Prayer and sing the national anthem at council meetings is approved despite mixed reactions. Stop The Sprawl Campaign Conservative MP Helen Whately presents a petition against overdevelopment in Kent, highlighting infrastructure strain including water systems. Future Developments & Discussions: Anticipation around upcoming government reforms impacting Sevenoaks District Council. Continued scrutiny on housing developments' impact on local communities and resources. Get Involved: Share your thoughts or questions about local politics via email or voice note at kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk Stay updated with political news through our newsletter at kentonline.co.uk/newsletters. Tune In: Catch up with KMTV's Politics show every Friday at 5 pm or watch on-demand via 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.ukDon'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.

May 28, 20261 hr 12 min

EP 118: EP 118: Tony Vaughan on Labour pressure, NHS cost cutting and Dickens controversy

Kent Politics Podcast ShowNotes Episode Overview: Join Simon Finley, Dan Essen, Robert Body, and Nikki White for a comprehensive discussion on the latest political happenings in Kent. This episode features an insightful interview with Tony Vaughan, Labour MP for Folkestone and Hythe. Key Topics: 1. Medway Council & Charles Dickens Controversy Medway Council's guidance to staff about addressing outdated views of Charles Dickens. Public reaction from Rochester residents and historians. Discussion on historical context versus modern sensibilities. 2. NHS Staffing Challenges East Kent Hospitals' "Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme" (MARS) aimed at reducing staffing costs. Concerns over potential understaffing in critical areas. The impact of management decisions on NHS morale and efficiency. 3. Social Media & Beach Gatherings Impact of TikTok-organized events leading to antisocial behavior in Broadstairs. Local businesses affected by large crowds and subsequent issues. Calls for better preparation ahead of summer holidays by local MPs. 4. Water Supply Issues in Kent Recent disruptions due to heatwave conditions affecting water supply across several towns. Political responses including calls for declaring a water supply emergency by Green Party members. Special Interview: Tony Vaughan (Labour MP for Folkestone & Hythe) Discusses: Labour government's performance since the landslide victory under Keir Starmer’s leadership in July 2024. Immigration policies and challenges faced by Britain post-Brexit regarding asylum seekers arriving via small boats. His stance on rejoining the European Union amidst ongoing debates within his party. Stay Connected: Keep up with all things politics through our dedicated webpage at Kent Online. Sign up for our weekly newsletter featuring news summaries, opinions, and quizzes! Catch KMTV's Politics show every Friday at 5pm – available live or 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.ukDon'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.

May 21, 202615 min

EP 117: High street parking pressure, election strategy shifts and hospital cost cutting

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Highlights: Chatham Parking Charges Impact: Local traders express concerns over increased parking fees in Chatham, leading to a decline in business as customers opt for free parking alternatives like Hempstead Valley and Blue Water. Business owners urge the council for reconsideration. Liberal Democrats' Early Candidate Selection: The Lib Dems are strategically selecting candidates three years ahead of the general election, focusing on key seats such as Sevenoaks and Maidstone & Malling. They aim to gain ground against Tory strongholds by capitalising on potential splits within right-of-centre voters. East Kent Hospitals Trust Cost-Cutting Measures: The trust introduces a mutually agreed resignation scheme to manage staffing costs without affecting essential clinical services. Campaigners raise concerns about its effectiveness compared to necessary structural reforms. Support for Ex-Offenders in Folkestone and Hythe: MP Tony Vaughan calls for enhanced support systems to reduce reoffending rates among unemployed ex-offenders. Employment is highlighted as crucial in aiding their reintegration into society. Operation Brock Returns: Traffic management system Operation Brock is reinstated due to expected high tourist numbers during the Bank Holiday weekend, causing potential delays around Dover and Eurotunnel areas. Residents urged to prepare for travel disruptions. Listener Engagement: Got questions or topics you'd like discussed? Email us at Kent Politics Podcast or send a voice note! Stay Updated: Catch up with political news on our dedicated page at Kent Online. Sign up for our weekly newsletter featuring news insights and quizzes! 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.ukDon'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.

May 14, 202614 min

EP 116: Leadership pressure on Kier, Tunbridge Wells shifts and water outage anger

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes 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: The importance of narrative creation in politics – simplifying complex issues into clear communications that resonate with the public. Analysis of recent local elections in Kent – outcomes, implications, and future political landscape shifts. Reflection on community impacts due to water supply failures – understanding systemic faults and planning improvements. 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.ukDon'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.

May 7, 202615 min

EP 115: Coalition collapse, hospital hygiene fears and South East Water under scrutiny

Kent Politics Podcast: Episode Rundown 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. Key Topics Discussed: Hospital Hygiene Concerns 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. Canterbury City Council Coalition Breakdown 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. Medway Councillor Investigation Independent Councillor Chris Spalding faces conduct investigation following controversial legal challenge funding related to Fembell Zoo housing development approval. South East Water Leadership Crisis 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. £1 Billion Highways Contract Controversy 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. Additional Information: 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.ukDon'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.

April 30, 202656 min

EP 114: Kent’s changing political map, Medway’s challenges and campaign strategies with Reform UK & Green Party voices

Kent Politics Podcast: Episode Recap 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. Key Topics Discussed: Election Insights: 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. Council Dynamics: Medway's Innovation Park: Unpack ongoing plans for business investment in Medway and potential future developments. Reform UK Anniversary: Reflecting on one year since Reform UK's significant victory at Kent County Council elections. By-elections Spotlight: 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. Special Guests: Thomas Mallon - First elected county councillor for Reform UK discussing his strategic approach during campaigns. Rob Yates - Green Party’s first councillor at county hall sharing insights on engaging voters effectively through community involvement. Thought Provoking Discussions: The impact of national politics on local elections. Debating immigration policies between Reform UK's hard stance versus Green Party's compassionate approach. Closing Thoughts: 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.ukDon'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.

April 23, 202614 min

EP 113: Kent’s high number of accidental deaths, bomb ships off the coast and a charity’s struggle with funding cuts

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Host: Nicky White, Senior News Editor with KM Media GroupPodcast Episode Date: 24.04.26 Episode Overview 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. Key Segments: 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.ukDon'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.

April 16, 202615 min

EP 112: Success for the Green Party in KCC By-Election, More School Streets Problems, and Water Boss Gives Up His Bonus

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Host: Nicky White, Senior News Editor with KM Media GroupPodcast Episode Date: 16.04.26 Episode Overview 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. Key Segments: 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.ukDon'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.

April 9, 20269 min

EP 111: Housebuilding targets, payments to improve our services - plus news on fluffy bunnies

Kent Politics Podcast - Episode Highlights 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. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Wild Rabbit Virus Outbreak 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. 2. Housing Developments in Kent 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. 3. Medway Council's Section 106 Funds Utilisation 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.ukDon'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.

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