The Kent Politics Podcast

EP79: 100 days of Reform, Rachel Reeves, and a pollster's view with special guest Martin Baxter

Episode Summary

This week on the Kent Politics Podcast, we unpack Reform UK’s first 100 days running Kent County Council, Rachel Reeves’ headline-making visit to a local holiday park, and the ongoing fallout from Adam Holloway’s dramatic defection. Pollster Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus joins us for insight into how vote splits are shaking up council power under the first past the post system.

Episode Notes

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST  

Episode 79 - 100 days of Reform, Rachel Reeves, and a pollster's view with special guest Martin Baxter  

This week on the Kent Politics Podcast:

• Reform UK's Rise in Kent: We mark 100 days since Reform UK took control of Kent County Council. What’s changed? Who’s winning—and at what cost?
• Local Regeneration Update: Dan revisits Herne Bay's long-awaited redevelopment—why has it stalled for years and is there light at the end of the tunnel?
• Chancellor Visits Medway: Rachel Reeves tours a revamped holiday park as millions are invested locally. What does this mean for jobs and businesses?
• Westminster Watch: The team unpacks Adam Holloway’s defection from Conservative to Reform UK—and reactions from political heavyweights.
• Polls & Predictions: Pollster Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus helps make sense of shifting allegiances under first-past-the-post.

Key Highlights

🎙️ In This Episode:

Split Votes & First Past The Post

• Why is Reform leading with just 30% in polls? How does our voting system shape local outcomes?

Herne Bay Redevelopment

• Delays explained: pandemic setbacks, funding woes, and revised plans aiming for more affordable homes—but will they deliver?

Medway Investment Surge

• Haven Holiday Park receives £40 million over four years; Chancellor Rachel Reeves touts job creation and economic optimism.

A Controversial New Era at County Hall

• Linden Kemkaran leads with a no-nonsense style but stirs debate—from flag bans to heated exchanges about social policy.

💥 Hot Topics:

• Accusations of racism and transphobia rock council debates.
• Tories bide their time while Greens clash with Reform councillors.
• Early grumblings within Reform ranks over lost allowances—could unity crack under pressure?

🔍 Westminster Watch:

Adam Holloway’s move to Reform UK splits opinion among former colleagues. Nigel Farage calls it “bold,” while Tory veterans question his judgement.