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 challenges. Tactical voting now crucially influences outcomes as parties strategise for the 2029 election amidst ongoing voter disillusionment.

Episode Highlights:

• Developers refusing to build affordable homes in Bobbing, Sittingbourne.
• Medway family's fight for assisted living accommodation amid council setbacks.
• Kent councils facing a staggering £2.3 billion debt ahead of local government reform.
• Tactical voting trends reshaping the political landscape across Kent and beyond.

Dan explores why Payne's Development is proposing zero affordable housing in their new estate near Bobbing—citing profit margins as justification under current national planning policy.

Robert shares the Butler family’s struggle after council refused permission for an annex to support their chronically ill son, despite ongoing construction on their main house and significant personal setbacks.

Simon reports that Kent's councils owe £2.3 billion collectively—a financial burden threatening the viability of upcoming reforms to unitary authorities, with stark disparities between districts.

Martin unpacks fresh polling data:

• Anti-Reform UK tactical voting is emerging strongly; up to one-third of Labour voters would back Conservatives just to keep Reform out.
• Reform leads nationally but faces resistance from coordinated tactical votes by other parties’ supporters.
• Liberal Democrats remain stable around 70 seats; potential for gains if centre-ground politics resurges.
• The next election could see unpredictable three-way fights (notably Sevenoaks), making outcomes harder to forecast.

• Labour’s recent conference speech received mixed reviews: engaging but lacking substance according to hosts Dan and Rob.
• Keir Starmer’s leadership remains secure—for now—as no clear successor emerges, though internal challenges persist.
• Upcoming Caerphilly by-election may signal further trouble for Labour if Plaid Cymru or Reform outperform expectations.

Voters are increasingly savvy about tactical voting—especially when it comes to blocking parties they oppose most. Kent faces unique pressures from developer decisions and looming council debts—local stories reflect wider national tensions.

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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 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.

• Dan dives into Thanet District Council’s ambitious plan to build an eco-friendly business hub at the Port of Ramsgate.
• Funded via Levelling Up money; aims to foster local enterprise but lacks private sector interest so far.
• Only two out of three buildings will be constructed initially—future plans remain under wraps.

• Robert reports on Labour-led Medway pushing ahead with costly reorganisation plans despite fierce Tory opposition.
• Conservatives label it a "vanity project" and challenge transparency over consultation with key services like police and schools.
• Decision called in for scrutiny—but Labour holds committee majority.

• International train stops at Ashford suspended since Covid; campaign intensifies to reinstate them.
• Local MPs lobby regulators for competition against Eurostar, claiming huge economic benefits (£2.7bn boost & 500k extra visitors).
• Kent County Council planning events to promote the county as a tourist destination—details embargoed!

Richard Tice shares his views on Reform UK's surge in popularity:

“We’re talking about real issues that matter—immigration, high energy bills, government waste.”

Immigration & Border Control

Tice outlines bold policies if Reform leads government:

• Leave European Convention on Human Rights
• Scrap Human Rights Act
• Enact robust detention/deportation laws

He claims current systems allow “lefty judges” too much power over border policy.

Economic Vision

Promising deep cuts to public sector waste and quangos; proposes performance-related tax cuts funded by savings from axing inefficient spending.

Electoral System Debate

Despite rising poll numbers, Reform remains committed to proportional representation—even while competing under first-past-the-post rules.

Local Impact in Kent

With polling suggesting major gains across Kent’s parliamentary seats—including potential upsets—the party is keen to showcase cost-saving reforms already underway at council level (e.g., early loan repayments).

Dan & Robert debate whether mass deportations or radical immigration reform are feasible—or politically palatable—for mainstream voters. Legal hurdles and state capacity pose big challenges; some policies may need softening before election day.

Labour’s own review of indefinite leave-to-remain rules could shape future debates—and possibly take heat off Reform’s more controversial proposals.

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

Stay informed:

• Sign up for Politics Briefing Newsletter
• Watch KMTV politics show Fridays @5pm (KMTV On Demand)

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 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.

Sevenoaks Housing Surge:
Dan reports on Sevenoaks District Council’s new local plan—housebuilding targets have soared by 63%, pushing annual builds from 700 to over 1,150. With only ~260 homes built per year previously, this marks a dramatic change for residents. Major developments are planned at Peddham Place and Otford Road.

Medway Goes It Alone?
Robert explains Medway Council’s potential solo bid for local government reorganisation after its preferred option wasn’t selected by other Kent leaders. The move could cost up to £874k but aims to reshape council boundaries independently.

Kent Police & Rural Identity Crisis:
Simon reveals that rapid development has blurred rural/urban lines so much that even Kent Police struggle to define “countryside” areas—a sign of how housebuilding is transforming the county.

MP Donation Scrutiny:
Nikki covers Sittingbourne & Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna facing criticism over donations from pro-housing group Homes for Britain amid controversy around major residential projects like Heisted Park (8,400 proposed homes).

Political commentator Sean Holden joins to dissect:

• The unprecedented threat Reform UK poses by attracting right-wing voters.
• Whether Kemi Badenoch can survive as Conservative leader amidst dire polling and internal defections.
• The challenge of reconnecting with traditional Tory values versus moving towards centrism.
• Rising stars within the Conservatives—including Weald of Kent MP Katie Lamb—and reflections on past leadership strategies under Cameron and Johnson.

“People say ‘I haven’t left the party—the party left me.’ That’s what we need to address.” —Sean Holden

The panel discusses growing noise about Sir Keir Starmer's future as Labour leader—with possible contenders like Andy Burnham waiting in the wings—but consensus is it’d be risky for Labour to oust him before key elections next year. Canterbury’s Rosie Duffield voices her hope for change at Labour's top.

Discussion turns practical: Can councils really make more cuts without harming services? Will reformers take tough decisions where others have hesitated?

1. Party Realignment: Both Tories and Labour face existential questions about their identity and voter base.
2. Housing Pressure: Central targets clash with local realities—expect fierce debate over greenbelt land use across Kent.
3. Leadership Uncertainty: From Westminster downwards, no seat seems entirely safe; personality politics loom large ahead of elections.
4. Public Engagement Invited! Got views or questions? Email or send voice notes via kentpoliticspodcast@thekmgroup.co.uk

Stay updated:

• Kent Online Politics Page
• Sign up for Politics Briefing Newsletter
• Catch KMTV Politics Show every Friday at 5pm (Watch online)

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.