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 his high-profile expulsion from Labour and the factional strife dividing the party. The panel also unpacks a busy week in Kent politics—from Nigel Farage’s visit to County Hall to contentious public service debates and the local impact of Royal Mail’s delivery trial.

What’s Covered in This Episode:

Jamie Pout’s Expulsion from Labour:
Jamie shares his journey into politics, the rise to district council deputy leader, and his shock at being expelled from the Labour Party. He discusses the allegations against him, his fallout with local MP Mike Tapp, and his commitment to progressive values despite party in-fighting.

National and Local Labour Party Struggles:
The conversation pivots to the broader direction of the Labour Party, with Jamie’s critical take on its move to the right, internal discipline processes, and whether it still represents core left-wing principles.

Nigel Farage’s Visit to Kent:
Matt recaps Nigel Farage’s appearance at County Hall, his push for abolishing Kent County Council, proposed efficiency drives, and provocative stances on public spending—including the high costs of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school transport.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Dover:
Dan covers Dover District Council’s new measures targeting antisocial public drinking and disorderly behaviour, their rationale, and how enforcement will work in practice.

Royal Mail’s Controversial Delivery Trial:
Nikki discusses growing frustrations around delayed post due to Royal Mail’s delivery pilot in Tunbridge and Malling, the impact on important correspondence, and mounting pressure from local MPs to end the trial.

SEND School Transport Debate:
The panel tackles the thorny issue of high SEND transport costs, weighing vital service needs against public finances, and discussing why costs have rocketed—policy, demand, and outsourcing all come under scrutiny.

Looking Ahead—Local and National Political Fallout:
As new left-wing parties are forming and political loyalties shift, Jamie reflects on the future of progressive politics in Kent, his next steps as an independent, and whether he would ever return to Labour or join a splinter movement.

Key Quote:

“This is an individual that claims the Labour Party isn’t the party of welfare…if that’s the case then I’m quite happy being outside the Labour Party.” – Jamie Pout

Get Involved:
Got a political question or local issue for the panel? Email or send a voice note via kentpoliticspodcast.co.uk.

Further Reading & Watching:

Visit KentOnline for daily political coverage

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Watch KMTV’s Politics Show every Friday at 5pm (kmtv.co.uk)

Thanks for listening!
Don’t miss our next episode for more insights and debate on the issues shaping Kent and the UK political landscape.

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 www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 74 - Reform's debut, Kent's not working and making plans for Medway, special guest Damian Green

This episode features a critical analysis of local governance issues, including the unveiling of Medway Council’s local plan and Reform UK’s debut in Kent County Council. We also welcome former Ashford MP Damian Green to reflect on his life after Westminster.

Medway's Controversial Local Plan:

• Medway Council’s 15-year housing and infrastructure strategy.
• Debate surrounding Chatham Docks’ residential development plans.
• Public consultation details following robust council debates.

Reform UK's First Steps at KCC:

• Insights into Reform UK taking control amidst economic inactivity concerns in Kent.
• Analysis of employment challenges with 21% economically inactive residents.

Westminster Watch:

• Sir Keir Starmers' welfare reform bill chaos.
• Labour MPs' rebellion against cuts; implications for future government policies.

Damian Green Interview:

• Reflections on losing his seat after nearly three decades as an MP.
• His views on social care funding reforms and predictions about Nigel Farage’s leadership ambitions.

• "The day Nigel Farage says he’ll pass up short-term popularity is when I’ll believe he’s preparing for government." – Damian Green

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 www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 73 - Rachel Reeves, KCC denied extension and special guest Tory group leader Harry Rayner

Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast! Your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. Join us as we delve into key issues affecting our community, from funding challenges to policy impacts.

Government Funding Opportunities:

• Discussion on possible government funding announcements expected between now and December.
• The financial expectations for the incoming administration's budget in 2026-27, with a focus on finding £120 to £130 million.

Westminster Watch:

• Analysis of recent developments shaping UK's political landscape.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Visit:

• Announced expansion of free school meal eligibility benefiting an additional 20,000 children in Kent.
• Addressed criticism regarding tackling deprivation issues and outlined government's commitments towards improving public services.

Local Government Reorganisation Update:

• Reform UK leadership at KCC faced a rejection from the government over delaying reorganisation plans.
• Insights into potential impacts of forming larger unitary authorities replacing current councils.

Interview with Harry Rayner:

• Former deputy cabinet member discusses electoral shifts post-Reform UK's rise.
• Explores Conservative Party's future strategies amidst changing political dynamics.

Kent Online Political Coverage Insight by Matt Ramsden:

• Overview of comprehensive politics coverage across platforms including newsletters, podcasts, and TV shows.

Labour MP Rebellion Against Welfare Bill Reform:

• Over 130 MPs signed an amendment opposing benefits cuts aimed at saving £5 billion annually by 2030.
• Discussion on implications for government stability amid internal dissentions.

Medway Council Updates: Chancellor Reeves’ visit discussing expanded free school meals scheme and its socio-economic impact locally.

Award-winning Reporting: Rob shares his journey winning New Journalist of the Year at the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards highlighting impactful stories covered.

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 www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.