THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 65 - Kent goes to the polls, disorder in Dover, and Labour lets suspended councillors back in. Plus special guest Martin Baxter of Electoral Calculus

Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. This episode delves into the complexities of predicting election outcomes amidst a landscape filled with marginal seats and dynamic party politics.

Key Segments

Local Election Insights: Explore the latest developments in Medway, including Labour councillors' reinstatement after suspension and legal concerns over Chatham docks.

Dover Demonstrations: A firsthand account of recent anti-immigration protests in Dover, highlighting tensions between demonstrators and counter-protesters.

Kent County Council Elections: With polls closed, we reflect on a campaign skewed by Reform UK's presence. The potential for surprising outcomes is high as counting begins.

Special Features

Westminster Watch: Nikki White discusses MP Tristan Osborne's call to action against boy racers disrupting Tunbridge & Malling residents’ peace.

Polling Predictions with Martin Baxter: Renowned pollster Martin Baxter discusses voter volatility, tactical voting trends, and what this means for upcoming elections across Kent and beyond.

Notable Discussions

Reform Party's Impact: The rise of Reform UK could dramatically alter traditional voting patterns in Kent.

Voter Behaviour: Younger voters tend towards left-of-centre parties but are less likely to vote compared to older demographics.

Social Media Influence: While exact numbers are elusive, social media increasingly shapes younger voters' perceptions more than traditional news outlets.

Tactical Voting vs Protest Voting: Voters express disillusionment through varied party support rather than strict tactical or protest votes alone.

Future Political Landscape: Speculation about whether current polling reflects long-term shifts or temporary disruptions akin to historical precedents like the SDP surge in the 1980s.

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.