THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 76 - More homes in Medway, KCC committees up and running, report into mortuary monster David Fuller, and special guest Cllr Oliver Bradshaw

This week on the Kent Politics Podcast:

Solar Farm near Canterbury:
Dan revisits plans for an 80-football-pitch-sized solar farm at Tyler Hill—approved quickly due to its sub-50MW capacity. Expected to power up to 15,000 homes by 2026.

Medway Housing Expansion:
Rob covers new proposals for 750 homes off Pump Lane, Rainham. Strict conditions include schools and healthcare facilities—a response to previous rejected bids amid local concerns over traffic gridlock and loss of green spaces.

Simon reports that Kent County Council is back in action after May elections:

• Scrutiny Committee now chaired by opposition (Lib Dem/Labour), signalling openness under Reform UK leadership.
• Sale of council artworks initiated under Conservatives expected to raise £45k.

Nikki explains phase two findings:

• Serious failings found nationwide in mortuary oversight after Fuller's crimes went undetected for decades at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trusts.
• Chair Sir Jonathan Michael calls current arrangements “partial” and “ineffective”, urging statutory regulation—government response pending.

Elli details how Kent Online’s campaign reached Parliament:

• Cross-party support among all Kent MPs as well as others nationally pushes government towards fairer blue badge access for those with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer.

At just 23, Oliver shares his journey from Young Conservative activist disillusioned with Tory direction, through standing unsuccessfully last year, to winning big with Reform this May:

• On why he left Tories: "They have essentially betrayed every single one of their voters."
• On savings challenge ahead: Focuses on cutting unnecessary spending like electric vehicle conversions; seeks efficiency rather than slashing services or raiding reserves; admits challenge but remains optimistic about avoiding bankruptcy fears voiced by ex-councillors.
• On unitary authority reforms: Sceptical about rushed reorganisation without proper financial planning—warns residents may suffer if mishandled.

Dan unpacks revelations around thousands admitted via a secret resettlement scheme after MOD data leak put Afghans who worked with British forces at risk:

• At least £6bn cost projected; super-injunction lifted this week exposes scale—and controversy over public accountability persists.

Nigel Farage’s comments spark discussion about crime rates among arrivals—with contributors noting both uncomfortable facts about Afghanistan's social context and dangers of simplistic narratives.

The team agrees only Reform likely to question Britain’s obligations openly—their stance may find traction given public mood around costs vs service cuts elsewhere.

Have questions or want us to cover a topic? Email or send voice notes:
kentpoliticspodcast@kmgroup.co.uk

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Kent Politics Podcast, your essential guide to local and national political developments from a Kent perspective.

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 www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 75 - Farage in Kent, public safety in Dover, and special guest ,expelled Labour councillor Jamie Pout.

Episode Overview:
This week’s episode of The Kent Politics Podcast dives deep into the latest local government developments and simmering tensions within the Labour Party. Special guest Jamie Pout, former Deputy Leader of Dover District Council, opens up about his high-profile expulsion from Labour and the factional strife dividing the party. The panel also unpacks a busy week in Kent politics—from Nigel Farage’s visit to County Hall to contentious public service debates and the local impact of Royal Mail’s delivery trial.

What’s Covered in This Episode:

Jamie Pout’s Expulsion from Labour:
Jamie shares his journey into politics, the rise to district council deputy leader, and his shock at being expelled from the Labour Party. He discusses the allegations against him, his fallout with local MP Mike Tapp, and his commitment to progressive values despite party in-fighting.

National and Local Labour Party Struggles:
The conversation pivots to the broader direction of the Labour Party, with Jamie’s critical take on its move to the right, internal discipline processes, and whether it still represents core left-wing principles.

Nigel Farage’s Visit to Kent:
Matt recaps Nigel Farage’s appearance at County Hall, his push for abolishing Kent County Council, proposed efficiency drives, and provocative stances on public spending—including the high costs of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school transport.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Dover:
Dan covers Dover District Council’s new measures targeting antisocial public drinking and disorderly behaviour, their rationale, and how enforcement will work in practice.

Royal Mail’s Controversial Delivery Trial:
Nikki discusses growing frustrations around delayed post due to Royal Mail’s delivery pilot in Tunbridge and Malling, the impact on important correspondence, and mounting pressure from local MPs to end the trial.

SEND School Transport Debate:
The panel tackles the thorny issue of high SEND transport costs, weighing vital service needs against public finances, and discussing why costs have rocketed—policy, demand, and outsourcing all come under scrutiny.

Looking Ahead—Local and National Political Fallout:
As new left-wing parties are forming and political loyalties shift, Jamie reflects on the future of progressive politics in Kent, his next steps as an independent, and whether he would ever return to Labour or join a splinter movement.

Key Quote:

“This is an individual that claims the Labour Party isn’t the party of welfare…if that’s the case then I’m quite happy being outside the Labour Party.” – Jamie Pout

Get Involved:
Got a political question or local issue for the panel? Email or send a voice note via kentpoliticspodcast.co.uk.

Further Reading & Watching:

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Watch KMTV’s Politics Show every Friday at 5pm (kmtv.co.uk)

Thanks for listening!
Don’t miss our next episode for more insights and debate on the issues shaping Kent and the UK political landscape.

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 www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 74 - Reform's debut, Kent's not working and making plans for Medway, special guest Damian Green

This episode features a critical analysis of local governance issues, including the unveiling of Medway Council’s local plan and Reform UK’s debut in Kent County Council. We also welcome former Ashford MP Damian Green to reflect on his life after Westminster.

Medway's Controversial Local Plan:

• Medway Council’s 15-year housing and infrastructure strategy.
• Debate surrounding Chatham Docks’ residential development plans.
• Public consultation details following robust council debates.

Reform UK's First Steps at KCC:

• Insights into Reform UK taking control amidst economic inactivity concerns in Kent.
• Analysis of employment challenges with 21% economically inactive residents.

Westminster Watch:

• Sir Keir Starmers' welfare reform bill chaos.
• Labour MPs' rebellion against cuts; implications for future government policies.

Damian Green Interview:

• Reflections on losing his seat after nearly three decades as an MP.
• His views on social care funding reforms and predictions about Nigel Farage’s leadership ambitions.

• "The day Nigel Farage says he’ll pass up short-term popularity is when I’ll believe he’s preparing for government." – Damian Green

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 www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.