THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 44 - Farmer’s fury, the first Brexit domino, and Kent’s biggest solar farm, with special guest Polly Billington MP

Welcome to the latest edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on both local and national political matters. In this episode, we delve into significant events shaping Kent's political landscape, from historical by-elections to contemporary infrastructure projects.

• Discussion: Reflecting on the intense 2014 Rochester and Strood by-election when Mark Reckless defected from Conservatives to UKIP.
• Guests: Former candidates share their experiences amid media scrutiny.
• Insights: The impact of Emily Thornberry’s controversial tweet and its implications on Labour's working-class support.

• Topic: South Kent Energy Park proposal—a massive solar farm covering nearly 1500 acres.
• Impact Assessment: Potential effects on local agriculture and economy discussed with stakeholders.

• Issue: Rising costs due to increased National Insurance contributions affecting social care providers.
• Political Angle: Conservative leadership at KCC voices concerns over funding gaps exacerbated by recent budget announcements.

• Farmers protest against a proposed inheritance tax that could affect rural family businesses significantly.

• Government announces £23 million investment aimed at improving public transport services across the county.

Polly Billington shares her journey from journalism to politics as East Thanet’s new Labour MP:

• Focuses include cost-of-living issues, NHS challenges, immigration, environmental concerns, and enhancing local bus services.

#KentPoliticsPodcast #LocalDemocracy #UKPolitics #WestminsterWatch #RochesterByElectionAnniversary #SolarEnergyRevolution #EastThanetMPInterview #FarmingFutureDebate #NHSChallenges2023 #CostOfLivingCrisisUK

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 43 - What new tax could mean for farmers, council at risk of bankruptcy and Special Guest Peter Carroll

In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, our host Simon Finlay and the team dive into pressing political issues affecting both Kent and broader regions.

Medway Council Financial Crisis

• Gabriel Morris reports a projected £11.2 million overspend by Medway Council.
• The crisis is driven by social care department expenses.
• An early budget release seeks to encourage funding discussions to avoid bankruptcy measures like a section 114 notice.

Highsted Park Housing Development

• Daniel Lesson discusses Quinn's proposed housing project facing local opposition.
• A public inquiry led by Angela Rayner will decide its fate due to Swale Borough Council's planning delays.

Inheritance Tax Impact on Farmers

• Proposed labour budget changes could impose a 20% tax on farmers' land/property.
• This poses threats to farm viability in Kent with potential land sales or hefty tax bills looming.

Mental Health & Transport Issues

• Nikki White covers mental health waiting lists raised during Prime Minister’s Questions by MP Sajid Javid.
• Helen Grant MP advocates for breast cancer screening awareness among younger women.
• Jim Dixon MP campaigns for extending the Elizabeth line into Dartford/Ebbsfleet despite no immediate plans.

Interview with Peter Carroll

• Insights from Peter Carroll on his campaign experiences and work at Tendo Consulting.
• Reflections include working with Charles Kennedy and campaigning for Gurkha justice alongside Joanna Lumley.

Peter Carroll shares strategic insights from his campaigns against Michael Howard in Folkestone & Hythe, highlighting efforts towards postal voting strategies that secured Anne Barnes’ win as police crime commissioner in Kent over party-affiliated candidates.

He reflects on serving as a special adviser during the coalition government under Danny Alexander, observing political intricacies firsthand amidst public distrust concerns toward politicians while advocating against extreme polarisation.

Discussion extends to infrastructure projects like North Kent's Elizabeth Line extension and Lower Thames Crossing amid economic constraints faced by current governments.

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 42 - Schools going mixed, police misconduct, and the cost of special needs education, featuring special guest Cllr Mark Hood

In this episode, we discuss pivotal local issues like education reforms and police misconduct while also delving into broader political dynamics within the county.

Local Government Insights:

• The importance of delivering services at a community level.
• Challenges faced by councils due to insufficient funding from central government.

Education News (Robert Boddy):

• Transition of Medway's single-sex grammar schools to coeducational institutions.
• Mixed reactions from parents and educational experts on these changes.

Police Misconduct Update (Dan Esson):

• Case study of former officer Thomas Smith’s misconduct leading to his resignation and imprisonment.

Special Educational Needs Funding Crisis (Simon Finlay):

• Rising costs associated with special needs education in Kent.
• Financial pressures on the council due to overspending on high-needs students.

Westminster Watch (Nikki White):

• Kemi Badenoch’s debut as Tory leader during PMQs.
• New appointments in shadow cabinet roles impacting local MPs Helen Whately and Laura Trott.

Interview with Green Party Councillor Mark Hood discussing:

• His journey into politics through grassroots activism.
• Perspectives on devolution and local governance challenges.
• The rise of the Green Party amidst environmental concerns such as housing developments affecting green spaces.

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.