The Kent Politics Podcast

EP88: Kent’s high streets, councillor defections, Badenoch’s balancing act and special guest Robbie Lammas

Episode Summary

This week on the Kent Politics Podcast, we dive into dramatic local changes: high street challenges, council defections to Reform UK, and fallout from the Conservative Party conference. Special guest Councillor Robbie Lammas shares his journey from Tory loyalist to Reform advocate, revealing why trust in traditional parties is eroding and what it means for ordinary voters. Plus, hear insights on Medway controversies, national security concerns after a tragic attack in Manchester, and analysis of Kemi Badenoch's future as Conservative leader.

Episode Notes

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST 

Episode 88 - Kent’s high streets, councillor defections, Badenoch’s balancing act and special guest Robbie Lammas 

In this week's episode of The Kent Politics Podcast.... 

Episode Highlights

Major Defections Rock Local Politics

• Medway councillor Robbie Lammas joins Reform UK alongside four Gravesham colleagues.
• Discussion on the motivations and impact of these defections from the Conservatives to Reform.

High Streets Under Pressure

• Analysis of the new "Pride In Place" government scheme aiming to revitalise rundown areas in Kent.
• Insight into planning reforms giving councils more control over vape shops, bookies and barbers—seen as symptoms of urban decline.

Council Drama in Medway

• Vote of no confidence against independent councillor Chris Spalding following allegations of bullying and mismanagement.
• Exploration of local governance challenges and accountability mechanisms.

Kemi Badenoch's Tory Conference Speech

• Reflection on her first conference speech as leader amid party turmoil.
• Will she survive until next year? Panel weighs up her prospects given catastrophic poll numbers for both main parties.

National Scene: Division & Extremism

• Dover MP Mike Tapp responds to a tragic synagogue attack in Manchester; calls for unity across religious and ethnic lines.

Special Guest Interview: Cllr. Robbie Lammas

Robbie shares his reasons for defecting:

• Loss of trust in Conservatives among constituents;
• Alignment with Reform UK's communitarian conservative philosophy;
• Frustration with local Tory response to issues like flag removal and asylum seeker redistribution;
• Reflections on personal attacks received post-defection—and why political loyalty should serve real change over tribalism.

He predicts further defections—including possibly from Labour—and explains how Reform is building grassroots momentum by vetting genuine believers rather than opportunists.

Polls & Party Fortunes

Latest IPSOS polling:

• Reform UK surges ahead at 34%, Labour trails at 22%, Tories collapse to 14%—lowest since June '09 for Labour, historic lows all round.
• Only 13% satisfied with Keir Starmer as PM; widespread dissatisfaction signals turbulent times ahead for both major parties.

Panel analysis:

Both Tories and Labour punished for failing to tackle small boat crossings. Voters increasingly pick out key manifesto points that matter most personally—making protest votes more common than ever before.

Key Takeaways

1. Kent’s Political Landscape Is Shifting Fast: Defections signal deep dissatisfaction within traditional party ranks; expect more movement toward populist alternatives like Reform UK.
2. Local Issues Matter More Than Ever: Cost-of-living pressures, high street decay, immigration policy—all driving voter behaviour locally as well as nationally.
3. Leadership Uncertainty Looms Large: Kemi Badenoch faces an uphill battle; neither main party can take its base or future leadership security for granted amid record-low satisfaction ratings.

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