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.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 52 - Three Dodgy Dealers, One Dodgy Copper and a City for Medway, featuring Sir Paul Carter

On this week's episode:

• Empowering Entrepreneurs: The host discusses the importance of supporting entrepreneurs to boost the economy.
• Local Government Insights: Dive into Medway's bid for city status, police misconduct hearings, and a car mileage fraud case in Kent.
• Lower Thames Crossing Update: Learn about recent government backing and its implications on local congestion.

• Medway Council seeks city status as a last chance before potential council abolition.
• Mixed reactions from locals; concerns over erasing town identities.

• Detective Sergeant Gary Stamp dismissed for gross misconduct after allegations of sexual assault.

• Three men convicted for reducing car mileage by millions to inflate resale value. Suspended sentences issued.

• Chancellor Rachel Reeves supports privately financed £9 billion project to alleviate Dartford traffic issues.

Explore major political developments affecting both local and national landscapes with our regular feature "Westminster Watch."

Discusses impending changes in local government structure, including potential mayoral elections and unitarisation of councils. Offers insights into his leadership experience at Kent County Council.

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 51 - Taxpayer millions, Medway's Big Brother and MPs raised voices and special guest John Britt

Join us as we delve into pressing issues affecting local communities, from uncollected fines in Medway to a controversial housing development in Lenham. With special guest John Britt, Parish Council Chairman and campaign leader against a massive housing project, we explore the complexities of local government decisions and their impact on taxpayers.

• Robert Boddy delves into Medway Council’s new schemes like school streets and AMPR cameras.
• A staggering 28% of issued fines remain uncollected since April 2022, potentially costing £10.5 million in lost revenue.
• Efforts are underway to improve collection rates through legal actions.

• Simon Finlay reports on Maidstone Borough Council's housing scheme expected to cost taxpayers double the initial estimate.
• The contentious development faces criticism for being a "bottomless pit" despite plans for eventual financial recoupment when houses hit the market.

• Nikki White discusses over 80 Labour MPs' demands for better protection for leaseholders against rising management fees imposed by FirstPort.
• MPs urge transparency and accountability from managing agents amidst widespread resident dissatisfaction.

John Britt shares insights on his campaign against Maidstone Borough Council’s housing project at Lenham Heath:

• He critiques the decision-making process that favoured less suitable sites due to internal politics rather than practicality.
• Emphasises issues around affordability versus availability in addressing housing shortages.

This week focuses on:

• Calls from Kent politicians among others demanding reforms within property management sectors which impact thousands across England and Wales.

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 50 - Care Home Construction, Dover Defections, Local Government Re-organisation latest and Special Guest Richard Hicks

In our milestone 50th episode, Simon & the team explore significant events across Kent County, focusing on council devolution and its implications.

Medway Council’s New Proposals:

• Plans to build and operate a residential care home for increased efficiency.
• Estimated cost: £26 million over 30 years for approximately 80 additional beds.

Political Shifts in Dover District Council:

• Labour's transition from majority to minority administration due to recent defections.

Kent County & Medway Councils' Push for Devolution:

• Official request sent to fast-track towards establishing a mayoral system and new unitary councils.

• Concerns about sewage discharge along the Kent coastline raised by MPs Polly Billington and Tony Vaughan. The discourse emphasises environmental impacts on health and tourism.

Richard Hicks shares insights as Chief Executive of Medway Council:

• His journey in public service starting from an emergency planning officer role.
• The balance between statutory services like adult social care and discretionary cultural offers.
• Optimism around AI aiding local governance while maintaining a strong human workforce presence.

The potential shift towards greater autonomy through devolution could reshape how local governments operate, aiming for more localised decision-making power away from Westminster's central control.

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 49 - Money for Medway, Blue Bell Hell and a Piece of Yellow Paper with special guest Mike Martin MP

Welcome to the first Kent Politics Podcast of 2025! Dive into a year full of political developments with Simon Finley and his team as they explore local government issues in Kent.

• Angela Rayner's Devolution Revolution: Potential for a county mayor by May 2026 and new super councils.
• Medway Council Budget: An increase in funding but still facing financial shortfalls.

• Folkestone Planning Committee Drama: Delays due to procedural oversights affecting artist Mr. Doodle’s project.

• Bluebell Hill Traffic Scheme: Significant delays have increased costs from £200m to £250m, highlighting public sector inefficiencies.

• MP concerns over NHS backlogs and proposals for community health hubs amidst rising flu cases and hospital pressures.

Stay updated on national political impacts on local governance with insights from Nikki White about recent critical incidents declared by trusts outside Kent due to high demand at A&E departments.

Mike shares his journey from the British Army to Parliament, discusses housing targets, devolution plans, defence priorities post-Brexit, and thoughts on national service reform.

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 48 - Devolution, Revolution, and Special Guest Kevin McKenna MP

Is devolution the end of Kent's local councils as we know them? Dive into this week's gripping episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where big changes are on the horizon. Join Simon and the team as they explore the potential dissolution of Kent County Council, Medway Council, and others in favour of a new mayoral system. This episode uncovers insights from key political figures about upcoming by-elections in Medway and Swale Borough Council's shifting coalitions.

• Devolution White Paper: The government's proposal will lead to major restructuring with potential dissolution of current councils like Kent County Council and Medway Council within three years.
• Impact on Elections: Uncertainty looms over whether upcoming council elections will proceed amid these proposed changes.

• Resignations from three Labour MPs have triggered by-elections in Rochester East, Warren Wood, and Gillingham South.
• Current Labour majority is at risk if they lose all seats; however, historical voting patterns suggest this is unlikely.

• The Green Party exits coalition due to disagreements over new housing targets set by Labour's planning policy.
• Despite their departure, the remaining coalition maintains a majority necessary for passing budgets.

WASPI Women Controversy:

• Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced no compensation for women affected by state pension age changes despite previous Ombudsman recommendations.

Insights from MP Kevin McKenna:

• Newly elected MP discusses his stance on strategic development plans like Highsted Park amidst public concern over infrastructure strain in Sittingbourne.

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.