THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

KCC cuts £40k by removing office plants, Medway planning win upheld & UK mulls social media ban

Welcome to the landmark 100th edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, a bite-sized episode bringing you key highlights from around Kent over the past week. Hosted by Nikki White, Senior News Editor at KM Media Group.

• Jerry Clarkson, former leader of Ashford Borough Council, passed away this week.
• Served as leader from 2006 to 2023 and was with London Fire Brigade for three decades.

• Discussion on voter dissatisfaction with Labour and Conservatives leading to increased support for Reform UK.
• Insights from Ben Seyd, University of Kent politics expert.

• Kent County Council plans cost-cutting measures including removing plants across estates saving £40k annually.
• Plans also include transitioning water supplies from bottled to plumbed systems.

• Judicial review confirms Medway Council's lawful decision in planning permission for Chatham Docks' Basin 3 business campus.

• Consultation launched on potential social media restrictions similar to Australia's model with insights from Sojan Joseph MP.

Have your say! Email or send a voice note about topics you'd like discussed: kentpoliticspodcast@kmgroup.co.uk

Join us next week for our first bumper edition featuring special guests. Stay updated via Kent Online and sign up for our newsletter.

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 99 - Reform's latest Kent members and Budget setting in Medway and KCC

Welcome to the inaugural bite-size edition of the Kent Politics Podcast for 2026, presented by Nikki White, Senior News Editor at KM Media Group. This episode brings you a concise roundup of key political happenings in Kent over the past week.

• Councillor Defections: Three councillors are joining Reform UK from Conservative and Independent backgrounds.
• Notable Figures: Includes Dakota Dibben (Gravesham), Lawrence Ball (Sevenoaks), and Barry Manners (Thanet).

• Draft Budget Published: After delays, KCC's draft budget sees council tax set at 3.99%, below government cap.
• Financial Risks Discussed: Concerns about adult social care costs and SEND provisions highlighted by Councillor Kemkaran’s deputy.

• Funding Settlement Reaction: Medway receives £23m boost but still faces financial strain; EFS likely needed again.

• Thousands remain without water due to ongoing issues with South East Water amid investigations from OFWAT and DWI.

• Focus on water supply issues as MPs demand accountability from South East Water leadership. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey calls for licence revocation during PMQs.

1. Simon Finley discusses KCC budget implications with Nicola Everett of KMFM.
2. Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin expresses scepticism towards South East Water's reassurances amidst ongoing outages.

Have your say or pose questions to our panel via email or voice note at kentpoliticspodcast@kmgroup.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 98 - Traffic fine mistakes, changing face of Kent and special guest, Reform’s Maxwell Harrison

Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we delve into local politics and current affairs affecting Kent. In this week's episode...

• Rob explores the issue of potentially thousands of traffic fines being issued erroneously in Medway due to inadequate signage.
• A case study involving Chris Lee successfully appealing against a fine highlights flaws in existing road signs.

• Dan dives deep into intra-British migration statistics from ONS, revealing Canterbury as having the highest inward migration within Kent.
• Dartford stands out for its high proportion of new residents coming from London.

• Nicky discusses Sittingbourne MP Kevin McKenna's advocacy for lifting the two-child benefit cap amidst rising child poverty rates.

• Highlighting community spirit, Moot Brewery gets recognition as one of their beers is served at Westminster thanks to Rochester MP Lauren Edwards' support.

Councillor Harrison shares his journey and political views:

• His transition from Conservative voter to joining Reform UK.
• The challenges faced by Reform UK since taking control over KCC, including factional disputes leading to councillor defections.

Harrison defends Nigel Farage’s leadership while addressing criticisms about reform's stability and potential long-term impact on British politics. He emphasises a grassroots approach despite critics labelling it a personality cult around Farage.

The hosts reflect on 2025’s major events like reform's rise in KCC elections and Labour government struggles. Looking ahead:

1. Possible changes following local elections impacting Keir Starmer’s position.
2. Continued scrutiny on Reform UK's governance capabilities amid internal conflicts.
3. Increased focus on LGR (Local Government Reorganisation) raising public awareness before upcoming ballots.

Exciting developments are planned for 2026 with format changes to the Podcast, introducing bite-sized editions alongside traditional episodes featuring more comprehensive discussions with two guests debating significant monthly stories!

Stay informed by visiting Kent Online or tuning into KMTV every Friday at 5pm for more engaging content around regional politics!

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.