THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 44 - Farmer’s fury, the first Brexit domino, and Kent’s biggest solar farm, with special guest Polly Billington MP

Welcome to the latest edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on both local and national political matters. In this episode, we delve into significant events shaping Kent's political landscape, from historical by-elections to contemporary infrastructure projects.

• Discussion: Reflecting on the intense 2014 Rochester and Strood by-election when Mark Reckless defected from Conservatives to UKIP.
• Guests: Former candidates share their experiences amid media scrutiny.
• Insights: The impact of Emily Thornberry’s controversial tweet and its implications on Labour's working-class support.

• Topic: South Kent Energy Park proposal—a massive solar farm covering nearly 1500 acres.
• Impact Assessment: Potential effects on local agriculture and economy discussed with stakeholders.

• Issue: Rising costs due to increased National Insurance contributions affecting social care providers.
• Political Angle: Conservative leadership at KCC voices concerns over funding gaps exacerbated by recent budget announcements.

• Farmers protest against a proposed inheritance tax that could affect rural family businesses significantly.

• Government announces £23 million investment aimed at improving public transport services across the county.

Polly Billington shares her journey from journalism to politics as East Thanet’s new Labour MP:

• Focuses include cost-of-living issues, NHS challenges, immigration, environmental concerns, and enhancing local bus services.

#KentPoliticsPodcast #LocalDemocracy #UKPolitics #WestminsterWatch #RochesterByElectionAnniversary #SolarEnergyRevolution #EastThanetMPInterview #FarmingFutureDebate #NHSChallenges2023 #CostOfLivingCrisisUK

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.