THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 93 - Council office may become HMO, is Labour seriously getting rid of Starmer? and special guest former KCC leader Roger Gough

This episode features special guest Roger Gough, former leader of Kent County Council, discussing the challenges facing Reform UK at a local level and potential national implications.

Reform UK's Performance:

• Examining how Reform UK's control over councils is perceived nationally.
• The significance of their performance in flagship areas like Kent.

Kent's Local Government Reorganisation:

• Insights into past reorganisation efforts in the late '90s with Medway's transition to a unitary authority.
• Current plans for further restructuring across the county.

KCC Financial Strategies:

• Possible sale of Invicta House for housing purposes amidst budget constraints.
• Implications of such sales on local communities and governance.

National Labour Party Dynamics:

• Speculation around Keir Starmer’s leadership amid declining approval ratings.
• Potential challengers within Labour party ranks including Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner.

Roger Gough
Former Leader of Kent County Council shares his views on:

• The current administration under Reform UK.
• His experiences post-leadership focusing on advisory roles within local government frameworks.

"It was always going to be difficult… but I don’t think they help themselves by suggesting there were simple answers." – Roger Gough

"Adult social care is always going to be the rising cost that will make it tricky to set a balanced budget." – Panel Discussion

Have questions or topics you want us to explore? Email us at KentPoliticsPodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk or send a voice note!

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Catch up with politics throughout the week via Kent Online or tune into KMTV every Friday at 5pm for more political insights.

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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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THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 92 - Rachel Reeves takes aim at KCC, a £50m project gets the go-ahead, and special guest Andrew Kennedy

In this week's episode...

Political Turmoil in Kent:
Simon opens with reflections on the shifting political landscape in Kent, warning it could foreshadow national trends. The rise of Reform UK has led to a fractured coalition at County Hall.

Southern Water Sewage Saga:
Dan reports on Southern Water’s controversial sewage monitoring tool. A false report of a 100-hour discharge sparked local outrage and highlighted concerns over transparency and accountability.

£50 Million Biofuels Investment:
Rob covers Syntech BioFuel’s expansion in Kingsnorth, promising sustainable fuel for the Lower Thames Crossing construction and up to 200 new jobs for Medway.

Virgin Trains Return to Kent International Stations:
Nikki brings good news: Virgin plans cross-channel services stopping at Ashford and Ebbsfleet by 2030, ending Eurostar's monopoly—but upgrades are needed before trains roll out.

Andrew Kennedy reflects on:

• The Conservative collapse from dominance (57 seats) to just five.
• Impact of Reform UK’s surge—fuelled by protest votes rather than deep-rooted values.
• Lessons learned about voter targeting, misinformation, and reconnecting with disillusioned centre-right supporters.
• Predictions that Reform UK's fragile coalition will unravel due to lack of clear philosophy or solutions.
• Internal party tensions following leaked video controversy involving KCC leader Linden Kemkaran.
• Challenges facing council leadership amid budget deficits and service cuts.

Local Government Reorganisation:

Kennedy discusses potential reforms—including unitary authorities—and warns against creating an unwieldy single authority for all of Kent. He advocates boundaries reflecting community identity and explores alternative models like metro mayors for better funding/control.

The panel reacts to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ hints at upcoming tax rises:

• Widespread scepticism about whether higher taxes will yield tangible improvements in public services.
• Comparison with European countries where citizens pay more but receive better social infrastructure.
• Concerns over government efficiency, trust issues, and demand for fast results if taxes increase.

Kent as Political Microcosm:
The county mirrors wider national uncertainty—with parties struggling to maintain unity under pressure from insurgent movements like Reform UK.

Public Accountability Under Scrutiny:
From water companies marking their own homework to politicians deflecting blame—transparency remains front-of-mind locally.

Economic Development Amid Unrest:
New investments signal hope but are set against backdrop of job losses, budget shortfalls, and contentious council reorganisation debates.

Taxation Realism vs Expectation Gap:
Public willingness exists—to pay more if returns are clear—but patience is thin after years without visible improvement.

Have questions or topics you want covered? Email or send a voice note: kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk

Stay updated via Kent Online newsletters & catch KMTV's politics show Fridays at 5pm (watch online).

This podcast is an I Am Listening original production — find out more at iamlistening.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.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 91 - Reform at war, Medway Council slams KCC, parking fees hike in Canterbury, and special guest Naushabah Khan MP

In this week's episode:

• Naushaba Khan shares her personal experiences as a British Asian Muslim facing racism and abuse online.
• Discussion on the rise of divisive rhetoric from mainstream politicians around immigration and identity.
• The importance of calling out racism and maintaining British values of respect, equality, and tolerance.

• Ongoing turmoil within KCC’s Reform UK administration following leaked footage.
  • Five councillors expelled over accusations ranging from leaking information to bullying.
  • Leadership under fire but defiant; opposition parties demand accountability.
• Debate on leadership styles—whether strident defence is effective or damaging internally.

• Medway Council forced to withdraw a funding item due to last-minute changes demanded by KCC leadership regarding Visit Kent/Locate in Kent replacements.
  • Tension over financial contributions highlights challenges in inter-council cooperation.

• Canterbury City Council proposes another increase at premium car parks (£3.80/hr).
  • Local businesses voice concerns about damage to footfall; council cites budgetary needs.

• Naushaba Khan discusses surge in Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) across Gillingham:
  • Risks include loss of family homes, concentration of vulnerable residents, changing community character.
  • Advocates for Article Four Direction to control HMO proliferation locally.

National Perspective

• Labour government prioritising housing reform with investment into affordable homes and tackling homelessness—but acknowledges no quick fixes exist despite political pressure for instant solutions.

"For me, this is my identity… But that I now feel is being questioned." — Naushaba Khan

"One mistake we could make is staying silent… It grows legs if not called out." — Naushaba Khan

“Politics isn’t just consensus—it’s conflict between competing interests.” — Dan Esson

• The episode offers an honest look at the intersection between politics, race relations, local governance struggles—and how national debates impact real communities like those in Kent.*
• Listeners gain insight into the realities MPs face both inside Parliament and on their home turf—from running offices like small businesses to dealing with constituents’ everyday concerns.*

Have questions or topics you’d like discussed? Email or send a voice note:
📧 kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk

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Watch KMTV's politics show Fridays at 5pm (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.