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The Kent Politics Podcast

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. Join us as we take a deep dive into local government across the county, find out what the key decision makers have to say, what your money is being spent on and how the party’s policies could affect how we live. Stay tuned for our regular feature, ‘Westminster Watch', where we dissect the latest developments and decisions shaping the political landscape in the heart of the UK’s capital. Engage with us as we delve into the issues that matter to you and explore the dynamic world of politics from a Kent perspective.2025 KMFM Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • EP85: Kent crime figures, Medway's LGR plan, Sevenoaks housing and Special Guest Sean Holden

    EP85: Kent crime figures, Medway's LGR plan, Sevenoaks housing and Special Guest Sean Holden
    Sep 18 2025

    THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

    Episode 85 - Kent crime figures, Medway's LGR plan, Sevenoaks housing, and Special Guest Sean Holden

    This week, the team dives into the shifting political landscape in Kent and beyond, with a special focus on party turmoil, housing challenges, local government reforms and leadership speculation.

    Key Topics Discussed

    Sevenoaks Housing Surge:
    Dan reports on Sevenoaks District Council’s new local plan—housebuilding targets have soared by 63%, pushing annual builds from 700 to over 1,150. With only ~260 homes built per year previously, this marks a dramatic change for residents. Major developments are planned at Peddham Place and Otford Road.

    Medway Goes It Alone?
    Robert explains Medway Council’s potential solo bid for local government reorganisation after its preferred option wasn’t selected by other Kent leaders. The move could cost up to £874k but aims to reshape council boundaries independently.

    Kent Police & Rural Identity Crisis:
    Simon reveals that rapid development has blurred rural/urban lines so much that even Kent Police struggle to define “countryside” areas—a sign of how housebuilding is transforming the county.

    MP Donation Scrutiny:
    Nikki covers Sittingbourne & Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna facing criticism over donations from pro-housing group Homes for Britain amid controversy around major residential projects like Heisted Park (8,400 proposed homes).

    Special Guest: Sean Holden – Conservative Party in Crisis?

    Political commentator Sean Holden joins to dissect:

    • The unprecedented threat Reform UK poses by attracting right-wing voters.
    • Whether Kemi Badenoch can survive as Conservative leader amidst dire polling and internal defections.
    • The challenge of reconnecting with traditional Tory values versus moving towards centrism.
    • Rising stars within the Conservatives—including Weald of Kent MP Katie Lamb—and reflections on past leadership strategies under Cameron and Johnson.

    “People say ‘I haven’t left the party—the party left me.’ That’s what we need to address.” —Sean Holden

    Leadership Watch: Labour Turmoil Too?

    The panel discusses growing noise about Sir Keir Starmer's future as Labour leader—with possible contenders like Andy Burnham waiting in the wings—but consensus is it’d be risky for Labour to oust him before key elections next year. Canterbury’s Rosie Duffield voices her hope for change at Labour's top.

    Local Government Finance Woes

    Discussion turns practical: Can councils really make more cuts without harming services? Will reformers take tough decisions where others have hesitated?

    Takeaway Themes
    1. Party Realignment: Both Tories and Labour face existential questions about their identity and voter base.
    2. Housing Pressure: Central targets clash with local realities—expect fierce debate over greenbelt land use across Kent.
    3. Leadership Uncertainty: From Westminster downwards, no seat seems entirely safe; personality politics loom large ahead of elections.
    4. Public Engagement Invited! Got views or questions? Email or send voice notes via kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk
    Further Reading & Watching

    Stay updated:

    • Kent Online Politics Page
    • Sign up for Politics Briefing Newsletter
    • Catch KMTV Politics Show every Friday at 5pm (Watch online)

    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


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    32 mins
  • EP84: Faversham protest, Medway migrant hotels, defecting councillors, Sheppey travel boost and special guest Cllr David Knight

    EP84: Faversham protest, Medway migrant hotels, defecting councillors, Sheppey travel boost and special guest Cllr David Knight
    Sep 11 2025
    THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 84 - Faversham protest, Medway migrant hotels, defecting councillors, Sheppey travel boost and special guest Cllr David Knight This week on the Kent Politics Podcast, we explore heated protests over migration, persistent rumours about asylum accommodation, notable council defections—including an exclusive interview with Councillor David Knight—and the potential return of direct train services to Sheerness after nearly 40 years. Key Topics This Week🔥 Migrant Crisis & Protests in FavershamDan covers anti-immigration demonstrations and counter-protests erupting unusually in Faversham.Locals divided; police maintain order amid heightened tensions.St George’s flags spark controversy; presence of children at both sides unusual.🏨 Rumours Debunked in MedwaySocial media falsely claims hotels are housing asylum seekers—King Charles Hotel forced to clarify.MP Nisha Balan condemns divisive misinformation harming businesses.Other local hotels also issue denials amidst growing online speculation.↔️ Political Realignments: Two Shocking DefectionsAmelia Randall leaves Reform UK for UKIP citing tougher stances on immigration and Christian values.David Knight defects from Tunbridge Wells Alliance to Conservatives—his reasons explored in depth during his exclusive guest segment.🚆 Sheerness Direct Train Service Revival?Nikki investigates early plans for Southeastern to trial a direct London service from Sheerness—the first since 1989:Could boost jobs access and house prices but raises concerns about affordability for locals.Backed by local MP Kevin McKenna as vital regeneration opportunity for one of England’s most deprived towns.Special Guest Interview: Cllr David KnightWhy Switch Parties Now?Cllr Knight explains his move from independent politics back to the Conservative fold:Believes only major parties can address current national/local challenges effectively.Sees Kemi Badenoch as championing “authentic conservatism”: freedom of speech, enterprise, personal responsibility, fiscal prudence.Rejects Lib Dem approaches locally due to policies like increased parking charges impacting business vitality.On Local Issues:Knight highlights real socio-economic divides within Tunbridge Wells beyond its affluent image—parking woes, rural development pressures, potholes/highways maintenance top resident concerns.Economic Outlook:Expresses deep concern over rising debt levels and cost burdens facing small businesses—from staffing taxes (“job tax”) to soaring energy costs tied unnecessarily to gas prices. Calls for pragmatic cross-party solutions but doubts Labour would collaborate despite overtures from Conservative leadership.Westminster Watch: Will Labour Call an Early Election?The team debates whether talk of an early general election is serious or strategic mischief-making by Reform UK/Nigel Farage:Consensus leans towards no realistic scenario where Labour would risk their huge majority before required term ends—unless faced with extraordinary crisis events akin to those that topple governments elsewhere!Reform likely aiming simply to keep new supporters engaged between elections rather than expecting imminent polls.Listener EngagementHave a question or hot topic you want covered? Email or send voice notes:📧 kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.ukStay Connected!For more updates throughout the week: 🌐 Kent Online Politics📰 Sign up for our Politics Briefing Newsletter📺 Catch KMTV’s Politics Show every Friday at 5pm (Watch Live/On Demand)Thanks for listening! Don’t forget—you can find all episodes wherever you get your podcasts. For more info visit I’m Listening. 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
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    29 mins
  • EP83: Small boats, local government reorganisation, and special guest Colonel Tim Collins

    EP83: Small boats, local government reorganisation, and special guest Colonel Tim Collins
    Sep 4 2025

    THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

    Episode 83 - Small boats, local government reorganisation, and special guest Colonel Tim Collins

    In this week's episode:

    • Small Boats Crisis: Dan explores the dramatic rise of small boat crossings into Kent, tracing how this phenomenon has become central to British political debate and altered local election outcomes.
    • Local Government Reorganisation: Simon unpacks Angela Rayner’s plans for streamlining councils in Kent. New analysis suggests promised savings may not materialise—could reforms actually cost more?
    • Special Guest Interview: Colonel Tim Collins, famed for his eve-of-battle speech in Iraq, shares insights on military readiness, intervention legacy, and why he steered clear of frontline politics after leaving the army.
    Key Topics Discussed1. Immigration & Small Boats
    • Recent data shows a surge from hundreds to tens of thousands arriving via small boats over five years.
    • The issue now dominates both local and national debates; parties compete over anti-immigration credentials.
    2. Local Government Shake-Up
    • Labour's push to merge councils faces scepticism as new reports suggest minimal or negative financial impact unless drastic consolidation occurs.
    3. Defence & Security with Colonel Tim Collins
    • UK armed forces are “woefully unready” for future conflict; defence spending lacks public support.
    • Reflections on Iraq war: Removing Saddam was justified but mishandled post-war planning fuelled instability.
    4. Political Disillusionment & Reform Surge
    • Voters’ trust is eroding amid perceived lack of integrity in mainstream politics—Reform UK capitalises on frustration with status quo.
    5. Green Party Leadership Change
    • Zach Polanski elected leader; signals shift leftwards (“eco-populist”), potentially fracturing progressive vote alongside Corbyn’s movement.
    Listener Engagement:

    Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Email or send a voice note: KentPoliticsPodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk

    Next Steps & Further Reading:

    Stay updated with:

    • Kent Online Politics Briefing Newsletter
    • KMTV Click Politics show every Friday at 5pm (Watch here)

    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
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    34 mins
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