The Kent Politics Podcast

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

  1. 4d ago

    EP123: Rare Political Unity, Rural Post Offices and Kent's Biggest Stories

    Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Title: The Plight of Rural Post Offices and Council Tax Changes in Medway Host: Dan Esson (standing in for Nikki White) Episode Overview In this week's episode, we delve into the pressing political issues affecting Kent. From rural post office closures to council tax rule changes in Medway, join us as we explore how local councils are responding to these challenges. Key Segments: Medway's Council Tax Rule Change Issue at Hand: Medway Council has amended its council tax rules following a High Court judgment against Three Rivers District Council. Reason for Change: To avoid legal complications related to transitional protection element payments being counted as income under Universal Credit. Council’s Solution: Introducing a new class of person where such payments are discounted from income evaluations. Rural Post Office Closures Locations Affected: New Ash Green and Longfield branches inside Morrisons convenience stores face closure due to rising costs. Community Impact: Elderly residents rely heavily on these services for banking, pensions, and essential shopping. Political Unity: Councillors from opposing parties unite over the issue; efforts underway to find alternative outlets. Licensing Controversy at Vales of Fusions Nightclub Located in Margate with recent licensing disputes over sound limits and fire safety violations. Thanet District Council reviews licence amidst concerns about compliance with conditions. Local Political Dynamics Cross-party collaboration is becoming more common since reforms last year, driven by shared opposition toward current leadership. Additional Resources: Stay updated with politics news across Kent via Kent Online - click the "Politics" tab for more stories. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at kentonline.co.uk/newsletters. Watch KMTV's Politics show every Friday at 5 pm or stream it anytime 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.

    7 min

  2. Jun 25

    EP122: Brexit 10 Years On, Lessons Learned and What's Next for Britain

    Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Overview This episode delves into the seismic impact of Brexit on British politics, reflecting on the decade since the pivotal 2016 referendum. The discussion covers political divisions within the Conservative Party, turmoil during negotiations, and ongoing ramifications for UK governance. Key Topics Discussed Brexit Referendum Retrospective: Recollections from Simon Finlay and Dan Esson about campaign dynamics. Public misconceptions and reaction to the unexpected Leave victory. Political Fallout: Disunity within major parties post-referendum. Influence of figures like Nigel Farage in shaping Brexit discourse. European Union Relations: Challenges faced by Britain outside EU structures. Speculation on future re-alignment or re-entry possibilities. Leadership Dynamics: Discussion on Keir Starmer's resignation as Labour leader and Andy Burnham’s potential succession. Impact of leadership changes on party strategies and public perception. Notable Quotes “The whole leave campaign was based on a lie…” “British politicians were not used to governing themselves properly.” Insightful Moments Analysis of polling data indicating shifts in voter regret over Brexit decisions. Examination of how internal party conflicts influenced Brexit negotiations with Europe. Future Considerations Exploration into whether Britain's current trajectory will lead towards closer ties with Europe again or solidify its path as an independent entity outside EU frameworks is discussed extensively among hosts. Connect With Us For more insights, visit Kent Online for daily updates or catch our weekly show every Friday at KMTV! 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.

    51 min

  3. Jun 18

    EP121: Political Turmoil in Medway, Social Media Bans and the End-of-Life Debate

    Kent Politics Podcast: Episode Highlights Host: Nikki White Key Topics: Medway Reform Group Turmoil Deputy Leader Robbie Lammas exits the party. Criticises Reform for being "unserious" and plagued by internal strife. Initially defected from Tories post-2024 elections but now regrets it. Plans to sit as an independent with a potential return to Conservatives. Faversham's Radical Right Movement Rise of 'Raise the Colours' movement in Faversham. Protests against asylum seekers housing escalate tensions. Disruption during Faversham Town Council meeting on sanctuary status. Social Media Ban for Under 16s UK government plans ban on social media access for under 16s by next spring. Broad support following consultation; aims to protect youth from harmful content. Concerns about balancing education and tech skills development. Terminally Ill Adults End-of-Life Bill Rochester MP Lauren Edwards seeks reintroduction of controversial bill in Parliament. Listener Engagement: Submit topics or questions via email or voice note at kentpoliticspodcast.co.uk Stay Updated: Visit Kent Online for more political news and sign up for newsletters. Watch KMTV’s Politics Show every Friday at 5pm or catch up 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.

    8 min

  4. Jun 11

    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.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.

    11 min

  5. Jun 4

    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.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.

    17 min

  6. May 28

    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.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.

    1h 13m

  7. May 21

    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.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.

    16 min

  8. May 14

    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.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.

    15 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    IM Listening
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 KM Media Group
  • Show Website
    The Kent Politics Podcast

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