EP99: Reform's latest Kent members and Budget setting in Medway and KCC

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 99 - Reform's latest Kent members and Budget setting in Medway and KCC  Welcome to the inaugural bite-size edition of the Kent Politics Podcast for 2026, presented by Nikki White, Senior News Editor at KM Media Group. This episode brings you a concise roundup of key political happenings in Kent over the past week. Episode Highlights:Reform Party Gains MomentumCouncillor Defections: Three councillors are joining Reform UK from Conservative and Independent backgrounds.Notable Figures: Includes Dakota Dibben (Gravesham), Lawrence Ball (Sevenoaks), and Barry Manners (Thanet).Kent County Council Budget UpdateDraft Budget Published: After delays, KCC's draft budget sees council tax set at 3.99%, below government cap.Financial Risks Discussed: Concerns about adult social care costs and SEND provisions highlighted by Councillor Kemkaran’s deputy.Medway Financial ChallengesFunding Settlement Reaction: Medway receives £23m boost but still faces financial strain; EFS likely needed again.South East Water Crisis ContinuesThousands remain without water due to ongoing issues with South East Water amid investigations from OFWAT and DWI.National Interest: Westminster UpdatesFocus on water supply issues as MPs demand accountability from South East Water leadership. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey calls for licence revocation during PMQs.Key Interviews:Simon Finley discusses KCC budget implications with Nicola Everett of KMFM.Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin expresses scepticism towards South East Water's reassurances amidst ongoing outages.Listener Engagement:Have your say or pose questions to our panel via email or voice note at [email protected].   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.