THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 55 - Redevelopments, Budgets and Henry Bolton

Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide for engaging discussions on both local and national political landscapes. This episode delves into key issues affecting Kent, from council budget challenges to redevelopment plans and contentious planning inquiries.

• Sean Delaney discusses Medway Labour's financial hurdles.
• The council is optimistic about receiving £18.5 million government funding but faces setbacks with rejected tax increases.
• Public services face cuts, impacting parking fees and leisure facility costs amidst a cost of living crisis.

• Dan Esson covers changes in Seven Oaks District Council’s £120 million development project.
• Major adjustments include retaining the existing library and removing hotel plans due to Kent County Council withdrawing support.

• Nikki White highlights a conflict between Swale Independents and Labour MP Kevin McKenna over costly planning inquiries for housing developments at Highstead Park.

Former UKIP leader Henry Bolton shares insights from his diverse career spanning military service, international diplomacy, and politics:

• Discusses his journey through global conflicts back to leading UKIP post-Brexit referendum.
• Reflects on strategic visions for UK's future outside the EU amid internal party challenges.

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 www.kmtv.co.uk

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

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 54 - Reform make progress, Tories receive good news and special guest Cllr Sean Holden

In this week's Episode;

Local Election Dynamics:

• Labour's mixed results in Medway with Reform UK gaining ground.
• The impact of low voter turnout on election outcomes.
• Current council composition post-elections and potential shifts in power dynamics.

Westminster Watch:

• Controversial discussions surrounding small boats crossing the Channel.
• Labour's new Border Security Asylum and Immigration Bill versus Conservative policies.

Upcoming Elections & Predictions:

• Insights into private polling predicting a shift towards Conservatives despite national trends.
• Concerns over Reform UK's influence on future elections.

Devolution Debate:

• Discussion around devolution plans being delayed or rejected for Kent compared to other counties.

Sean Holden’s Farewell:

• His reflections on his career as he prepares to retire after decades of public service.
• Views on upcoming changes within local government structures.

1. "People tend to prefer voting against something rather than for it."
2. "The government's rocky start may lead them to be punished at both national and local levels."

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 www.kmtv.co.uk

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

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 53 - Devolution blow, MP comeback and special guest Cllr Ian Chittenden

Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your definitive guide to local and national political discussions. This episode delves into the complexities of local government finance, devolution developments in Kent and Medway, upcoming council elections, and rural crime issues.

• Medway Council Budget Woes: Robert Boddy discusses Medway's financial struggles with a predicted £8 million overspend.
• Potential Bankruptcy Risks: The looming threat of a Section 114 order if budget issues aren't resolved.

• Devolution Efforts Stalled: Kent and Medway missed out on the first round of devolution deals.
• Folkestone Hive Restructure Debate: Dan Essen covers the controversy over restructuring Folkestone Hive District Council amidst new devolution plans.

• Former MP Adam Holloway’s Ambitions: Simon Finley reveals Holloway's potential return to politics after losing his seat narrowly last election.

• Helen Whateley's Advocacy Against Rural Crime: Nikki White reports on efforts by Faversham MP Helen Whateley addressing increasing rural crimes like fly-tipping and livestock attacks.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ian Chittenden joins this week:

• Discusses challenges facing local governments due to funding cuts from central government.
• Shares scepticism about an elected mayor model for devolved powers in Kent.

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 www.kmtv.co.uk

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