EP 116: Leadership pressure on Kier, Tunbridge Wells shifts and water outage anger episode artwork

EPISODE · May 14, 2026 · 14 MIN

EP 116: Leadership pressure on Kier, Tunbridge Wells shifts and water outage anger

from The Kent Politics Podcast · host Nikki White, Naushabah Khan, Mike Martin, Mike Tapp

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Highlights: Political Skills & Leadership: Discusses the essential skills needed for a Prime Minister, including coalition building and effective communication. Critiques current leadership on these fronts. Tunbridge Wells Local Elections: Liberal Democrats successfully defend seats, strengthening their hold over Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Future changes anticipated with the potential move to a unitary council in 2028. Tribute to Councillor Phil Filmer: Reflects on the life and service of Councillor Phil Filmer from Medway, highlighting his dedication and impact over three decades. Kent County Council Water Report: Examines severe water supply disruptions affecting thousands between November-January. Recommendations focus on improving communication and infrastructure resilience. Labour Party Leadership Crisis: Growing calls within Labour for new leadership following poor local election results. Key figures express both support for Keir Starmer's continuation as PM and criticism of his leadership style. Key Discussions: The importance of narrative creation in politics – simplifying complex issues into clear communications that resonate with the public. Analysis of recent local elections in Kent – outcomes, implications, and future political landscape shifts. Reflection on community impacts due to water supply failures – understanding systemic faults and planning improvements. Internal tensions within Labour Party post-election losses – exploring differing perspectives among MPs regarding party direction under current leadership. In Memoriam: Special tribute segment dedicated to Councillor Phil Filmer’s contributions across multiple councils over a distinguished career marked by commitment to public service. 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.ukDon't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 14, 2026

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Tune in to this week's Kent Politics Podcast for a deep dive into the local elections and leadership challenges. Join Nikki White, senior news editor with KM Media Group, as she unpacks the recent political shifts within Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and pays tribute to the late Councillor Phil Filmer. This episode also highlights the water supply crisis report from Kent County Council and its implications for residents and businesses alike. Key takeaways include: - Liberal Democrats' strengthened hold on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. - Insightful analysis of South East Water's communication failures during outages. - Growing calls among Labour MPs for a change in party leadership.

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EP 116: Leadership pressure on Kier, Tunbridge Wells shifts and water outage anger

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