THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 37 - Rosie Duffield quits Labour, school place troubles and special guest Dartford MP Jim Dickson

• Examining the expectation for MPs to consult constituents post-election.
• Debate on triggering by-elections if significant changes occur.

• Medway's School Place Shortage: Impact of NHS recruitment on educational infrastructure demand.
• Canterbury's Public Space Management: Planters mistaken for bins leading to public criticism.

• Scrapping Ofsted’s headline ratings sparks debate; Rory Love criticises reduced transparency.

• Analysis of her departure from Labour while retaining parliamentary position.
• Discussions around potential need for a by-election.

• Tom Tugendhat’s leadership aspirations and call for Thatcher-style revolution within the party.

Jim Dickson, MP for Dartford discusses:

• Proposed improvements in traffic congestion through new Thames crossing projects.
• Enhancements in health services and crime tackling strategies.
• Views on integrity following Rosie Duffield’s resignation and ethical considerations regarding gifts to politicians.

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 36 - Safer school streets, failing park and ride, and special guest Medway council’s Cllr Andrew Lawrence

Local Government Reform

• Unitary System Proposal: Debate on moving to a county unitary system to eliminate districts and consolidate resources. Discussion includes potential cost savings from reducing CEO/COO/CFO positions.

Medway School Streets Program

• Expansion Plans: Overview of the school streets program in Medway aimed at improving safety around schools by restricting car access during peak times. Public consultation is ongoing for adding more schools.

Canterbury Park & Ride Scheme

• Financial Viability Concerns: Analysis of the park and ride service's effectiveness shows significant financial losses despite environmental goals. The current administration plans further marketing efforts and discount permits to boost usage.

Road Closures Surge in Kent

• Infrastructure Challenges: Examination of increased road closures due to utility works, broadband installation, pothole repairs, etc., causing public inconvenience despite attempts to minimise disruption through enforcement measures.

• Labour Party Conference Recap
  • Keir Starmer’s Speech: Focus on change with cautious optimism about Labour's future policies including economic stabilisation, housing development plans (1.5 million new homes), NHS improvements, railway nationalisation plans.
  • Hillsborough Law Announcement: New legal duty requiring public officials’ candor during investigations with criminal sanctions for non-compliance.
  • Economic Realities: Addressing a £22 billion black hole in finances; discussing necessary but unpopular cuts like pensions/winter fuel payments.

• Interview with Andrew Lawrence
  • Background as an insurance broker turned politician inspired by Thatcherism.
  • Views on small government conservatism emphasising liberty over state control.
  • Advocacy for local income tax replacing property-based council taxes for fairer contributions towards local services.

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 35 - Care controversy in Medway, Shop stripped of licence after assault, is Reform trying to recruit Tory councillors and special guest, the Green Party's Rich Lehmann

• Introduction: Welcome to The Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters.
• Medway’s Care Crisis: Robert Boddy reports that two-thirds of children in care at Medway are from other authorities, primarily due to cheaper accommodation.
• Dartford Corner Shop Controversy: Daniel Esson discusses a Dartford shop losing its alcohol license after incidents involving illegal workers and missing CCTV footage.
• Kent County Council Elections:
  • Simon Finlay highlights potential high turnover among Conservative councillors ahead of next year’s elections.
  • Discussion on the rise of Reform UK and its possible impact on election results.

Rich shares insights into:

• His unexpected journey into politics spurred by COVID.
• The Green Party's focus on climate emergency and social justice issues.
• Election strategies for increasing Green representation in Kent County Council.

1. Green Party Growth Goals: Aiming to quadruple their seats from 4 to potentially 16 or more in upcoming elections.
2. Target Areas: Strong focus areas include Swale, Fannett, Canterbury, Dover, Sevenoaks among others.
3. Potential Alliances: Open but cautious about forming alliances with Labour or Liberal Democrats depending on election outcomes.

Rich addresses how they plan to tackle financial difficulties inherited from previous administrations if elected.

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.