The Kent Politics Podcast

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.  Episode Highlights: Reform Party Gains Momentum...

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...  Key Topics Discussed: Traffic Fines in Medway Rob explores the issue of potentially thousands of traffic fine...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 97 - Action over HMOs, Question Time in Kent, and new group formed at KCC by ex Reform members, with special guest Cllr Connie Nolan  Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics podcast, where local democracy reporter Simon Finley is joined by Robert Boddy, Dan Erstin, and Nikki White. This week’s discussion covers a range of pressing topics affecting Kent...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 96 - Ambulance woes, water crisis and special guest, former MP Kelly Tolhurst   This episode covers a range of topics including challenges faced by the South East Ambulance Service, CCTV malfunctions in Ashford Borough, leadership changes at Kent County Council, and water supply crises impacting Tunbridge Wells.  Key Segments 1. Ambulance Service Under Scrutiny R...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST   Episode 95 - Local government reorganisation, councillor’s WhatsApp leak shame, budget response and special guest Cllr Stuart Jeffery  In this week's episode; Reform UK Controversy: Discussion on a Reform councillor's controversial WhatsApp messages. Reaction from political figures including Rachel Reeves. Local Developments in Kent: Approval of phases for an 800-home d...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 94 - Linden Kemkaran and Vince Maple go head to head, libraries and tips face closure, and will the government’s immigration policies work?  In this week's episode;  Key Discussions: Local Government Reorganisation: Chaos at KCC : Linden addresses accusations of chaos following recent controversial events including leaked videos and councillor expulsions. Reform'...

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. Key Topics Discussed: Reform UK's Performance: Exami...

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 Sewa...

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:    1. Identity & Racism in Modern Britain 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...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Epsiode 90 - Reform at war, immigration demo, University of Kent homes, and special guest Sojan Joseph MP    In this week's episode: Reform UK’s Leadership Turmoil Leaked video of KCC leader Linden Kemkaran sparks outrage over her conduct and leadership style. Strong backlash from MPs; seven call for her resignation citing unprofessional behaviour. Internal party suspens...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 89 - Council’s £4k cock-up, Rachel Reeves pays a visit, and special guest Cllr Amelia Randall  Episode Highlights: A costly parish council blunder triggers a £4,000 election in Birchington. Medway hosts a heated debate on flags and British identity. Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Dartford to push for faster delivery of the Lower Thames Crossing. MP Helen Whately...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 88 - Kent’s high streets, councillor defections, Badenoch’s balancing act and special guest Robbie Lammas    In this week's episode of The Kent Politics Podcast....  Episode Highlights Major Defections Rock Local Politics Medway councillor Robbie Lammas joins Reform UK alongside four Gravesham colleagues. Discussion on the motivations and impact of these defectio...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 87 - Affordable homes and supported living refused and Kent's debt billions, featuring special guest Martin Baxter   This week's episode explores how Reform UK's rise is reshaping Kent’s political scene, sparking tactical voting among Labour and Conservatives. Local planning disputes, council debt concerns, and shifting party fortunes highlight wider national cha...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 86 - Local government reorganisation, Channel Tunnel services back in Kent, and special guest Reform's Richard Tice  Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast!  This week, Simon and the team are joined by special guest Richard Tice (Reform UK MP) for a lively discussion on local council developments and national political shifts.     Key Topics Discussed 1. Thanet's £...

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 Dist...

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 potenti...

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...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 82 - Special guest Ann Widdecombe, the possible return of international trains to Kent and flags and red crosses   In this week's episode:  Ashford International Train Services: Dan discusses renewed calls to restore international railway links at Ashford, citing a new Good Growth Foundation report. The return could boost the British economy by £500m annually, bu...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 81 - Council overspends, local government reorganisation, and special guest Tristan Osborne MP This episode delivers an in-depth look at political issues affecting Kent, with a special focus on local government finances, education (SEND provision), migration policy, and parliamentary perspectives. This episode also features a detailed interview with Chatham & Ayle...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 80 - Freedom of speech, sewage and special guest Cllr Robbie Lammas  Episode Highlights: Morality in Politics: The panel opens with a reflection on the importance of individual morality and moral judgement in political life, arguing that no amount of regulation can replace personal ethics. Council Crackdown on Foul Language: Thanet Council’s controversial plans t...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST   Episode 79 - 100 days of Reform, Rachel Reeves, and a pollster's view with special guest Martin Baxter   This week on the Kent Politics Podcast: Reform UK's Rise in Kent: We mark 100 days since Reform UK took control of Kent County Council. What’s changed? Who’s winning—and at what cost? Local Regeneration Update: Dan revisits Herne Bay's long-awaited redevelopment—why...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 78 - Former Tory MP Adam Holloway explains why he has joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK  Episode Overview  This week on the Kent Politics Podcast , we bring you a packed episode featuring breaking political shifts, local activism, and international intrigue—all from a distinctly Kent perspective. Adam Holloway , former Gravesham MP, joins us to discuss his dramatic...

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  Episode 77 - Kent tips saved, Dover protests, Medway roadwork hell and special guest Cllr Antony Hook  This week on the Kent Politics Podcast , we dive into a tumultuous period for local politics. From anti-immigration protests in Dover to public anger over water company bonuses and the ongoing shake-up at County Hall, our panel unpacks the stories shaping life across Ke...

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: 1. Local Planning & Development 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. Ex...

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 hi...