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.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 41 - Docklands, trolleys Budget bombshells and a broken bridge, with special guest Ashford MP Sojan Joseph

Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your ultimate source for in-depth discussions on both local and national political matters. This week we explore significant developments impacting both Kent's and the UK's political landscape.

Local Government Updates:

• Chatham Docks Controversy:
  • Medway Council’s planning decision stands as Angela Rayner decides not to intervene.
  • Mixed reactions from local stakeholders including former MP Kelly Tolhurst.
• Canterbury Shopping Trolleys Debate:
  • Canterbury City Council explores increased fines for abandoned trolleys.
  • Motion passes unanimously; potential impacts on supermarkets discussed.

Infrastructure Challenges:

• Teston Bridge Closure Impact:
  • Recent damage causing traffic congestion and extended school runs.
  • Local opinions suggest need for additional infrastructure solutions.

National Political Insights – Westminster Watch:

• Analysis of Rachel Reeves' first budget emphasising investment over austerity measures:
  • No increase in income tax or employee NI contributions; focus shifts to employers’ responsibilities.
  • Significant investments planned across NHS, education, public transport, and more.

Spotlight Interview with Sojan Joseph:

• Discusses his journey from Kerala to becoming Ashford’s new Labour MP after 27 years of Conservative representation by Damian Green.
• Priorities include healthcare access improvements, economic stability efforts, road maintenance advocacy, and restoring Eurostar services at Ashford International Station.

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 40 - Levelling up, pothole perils and the cost of a name change, with special guest Cllr Sean Holden

Dive into the intricate world of local politics with Simon Finlay and the team as they discuss key issues affecting Kent County Council and its political landscape.

Council Challenges & Name Changes:

• Medway's KMPT rebrands to KMMH at a cost of £250k amid criticism for long waiting times.
• The rationale behind the name change was to improve public awareness but faced backlash due to ongoing service delays.

Levelling Up Struggles in Thanet:

• Thanet District Council struggles to find private partners for their green campus project near Ramsgate Port.
• Criticism from local figures highlights mismanagement and unclear business plans hindering progress.

Pothole Problems & Funding Issues:

• Discussion on how foreign lorry traffic contributes to road damage in Kent.
• Calls for increased government funding as potholes cause significant vehicle damage according to AA reports.

Westminster Watch – Political Interference?:

• Labour Party accused by Trump's campaign of interfering in US elections; UK PM Keir Starmer downplays allegations.
• No comments yet from Kent Labour or Conservative members on this matter.

Cargo Concerns Off Margate Coast:

• Maltese vessel carrying ammonium nitrate anchored off Margate raises safety concerns; negotiations underway for unloading cargo safely.

Interview with Cllr Sean Holden:

• Discusses his decision not to seek re-election after 12 years at KCC and reflects on his career transition from journalism to politics.
• Insights into potential outcomes for upcoming council elections amidst national political shifts.
• Sean Holden’s initiatives against excessive road closures due to utility works highlighted, citing significant increases over recent years causing public inconvenience.

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.