Pompey Politics Podcast

Planning is often a contentious part of a local council’s responsibilities. Whether it’s about building an extension to your home, a new supermarket being built in your area or a house converted into an HMO (house of multiple occupancy).Local Council Planning Committees have to navigate the sometimes competing requirements of passion versus process.How does this actually work?What powers do the Council actually have?What say does your local Councillor have?Is it consistent & fair?What happens when it goes wrong?What difference will the recent government changes make to the look, feel and efficacy of local planning committees?To help us bust the myths we’re joined by Chair of Portsmouth City Council’s Planning Committee, Cllr Suzy Horton.Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Notices of Motion:(links in each item take you to that item in the livestream from Portsmouth Democratic Services)13a - Town & Country Planning (Proposer Hugh Mason. 2nd Suzy Horton)13b - Military Families and the High Income Child Benefit Charge(Proposer Leonie Oliver. 2nd Steve Pitt)13c - Preserving Portsmouth's Historic Title and Place in Local Government (Proposer Spencer Gardiner. 2nd Simon Bosher)13d - Keeping Southsea Seafront Clean During the Summer Months (Proposer Charlotte Gerada. 2nd Mary Vallely) - NOT MOVED under standing order 33.13e - Support for Portsmouth's UK City of Culture 2029 Bid (Proposer Steve Pitt. 2nd Graham Heaney, supported by Simon Bosher, Chris Dike)13f - Celebrating Portsmouth's Centenary and Diversity (Proposer Charlotte Gerada. 2nd Steve Pitt) - NOT MOVED under standing order 33.Agenda (PCC's Website)Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Parting is such sweet sorrow..It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..Last PMQs before the summer recess, and Keir Starmer’s last PMQs as Prime Minister.Will the weather be the only reason exchanges in the chamber are more heated than usual?Join us as we react to the leaders’ questions. Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Closing in early July, Havant Borough Council held a public consultation into whether Hayling Island and Emsworth should have their own parish councils.So, in the face of upcoming local government reorganisation (LGR) seeing Havant Borough Council merged into a unitary authority covering Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham, Gosport & Waterlooville. Ahead of the ratification vote at Havant Borough Council meeting Wednesday July 15th, we ask:-What is a parish council?What powers does it have?How is one formed?How does it work?What does it cost?Is more democracy, less democracy?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Join us as we review the deputy leaders’ questions PMQs as David Lammy steps in for Keir Starmer while the PM attends the NATO summit.Facing him across the dispatch box, from the Conservatives; James Cleverly, from the Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper.After last week’s energised and spirited performance from Keir Starmer, will this week’s PMQs be more of the same?Which pressing political questions will the leaders of the opposition parties ask the PM?Will they get straight answers?Full PMQs on Parliament YouTube channel:Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Andy Burnham delivered a rousing speech from The Peoples’ History Museum in Manchester on Monday before supporters, MPs and reporters from the media.For a man that’s all but certain to be the next prime minister, how did this compare in content and delivery to those from Keir Starmer?❓Which parts gave you hope?❓Which parts left you with questions?❓Welcome changes in strategy or short in detail?❓What do you think about the concept of a ‘number 10 for the north’?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

With the labour leadership contest to replace him opens July 9th (running till July 16th) and Parliament due to go into recess for the summer holidays on July 16th Time is running out for Keir Starmer.How will Starmer do at the dispatch box facing Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch before being dispatched from office in under three weeks.❓Who will fair better in today’s exchange?❓Will the questions be worthy and relevant?❓Will the answers be responses to the questions or something vaguely near the topic of the question?❓Which other leaders will be challenging the Prime Minister for answers this week?(clips of Parliament Channel Youtube)Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

With Andy Burnham tipped to waltz into Downing Street in a few weeks, the seventh UK prime minister in since 2016 we ask -❓Is the UK ungovernable ?❓Are the public too hard to please?❓Are parliamentary parties addicted to the drama of leadership coups?❓Is First Past The Post failing to drive consensus and compromise in a divided nation?❓Is the fickle faith in leaders a new thing?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

It’s only Wednesday and it’s already been quite the week for the Prime Minister.What questions will he face at PMQs ?Will straight answers be in any greater supply than last week?Join us as we listen to the questions from party leaders and Sir Keir Starmer’s answers.Full exchange on the Parliament Youtube channel Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

We take a look at what Andy Burnham’s resounding win in the Makerfield by election might mean.Despite predictions of a photo finish result - Burnham romped home with 55% of the vote.🔴What could the surprise result mean?🔴How quickly will a Labour leadership contest ensue?🔴How many contenders will fight for the crown?Tell us what you think happens next and who will win out.Leave us a comment or send a voice note or email [email protected] Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitFuture shows:- Social media banDo you have something to say about the government's plans to ban social media for the under 16's ?You might think it's the best idea, or may thing it's unworkable or government intrusion into lives where parents should be in control?Brexit - 10 years onHow do you feel about Brexit as the 10 anniversary of the vote to leave the EU approaches on June 23rd.Have you changed your mind? What have been the greatest wins from leaving the EU? What form do you think our future relationship with the EU should take? Should we join the customs union or single market ? Should we rejoin?If you have something to contribute to either the social media ban or Brexit 10 years on topics, please let us know, whether you just have comments to share or maybe would want to join us on the show - send us a message on Facebook or voice-note or email [email protected] on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

The PM’s away, join us as we look at today’s PMQs with David Lammy.Asking questions from the opposition parties were:-Shadow Energy Secretary Claire CoutinhoDeputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Daisy CooperWith Kier Starmer away at the G7, was this the time for the Deputy PM to shine, or was he just filling in? Which questions asked deserved a decent answer? Which got one? How much was point scoring, and how much was policy defining?Full exchange on the Parliament channelSupport Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Refreshed after an exhausting local election campaign, we catch up with Cllr Steve Pitt - Leader of Portsmouth City Council and ask how the minority Liberal Democrat administration in Portsmouth was able to secure a majority & what this changes for the council and the city. We discuss LGR & devolution, and what the uncertainty over the delivery of both creates in the way of problems for the city.We also touch on the uncertainty floating about with the Labour leadership challenge that's effectively on hold until after the Makerfield by election.Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Join us as we review the results from Thursday. Where were the surprises?-Was it as good or as bad as night as some are saying?-Is there any difference between how the wards in Portsmouth North voted vs the wards in Portsmouth South?-With turnout up - was there an increase in votes overall, or were voters for any party more motivated to get out and vote than others?Our Results chartsPCC's Election results pageApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Joining us for our 2026 Drayton & Farlington ward hustings are:-🟦Simon Bosher🟥Matthew Holland(Our invitation was extended to the other three candidates).Hustings rules available on our website https://www.pppodcast.uk/2026-hustings QuestionsWhat are the top three issues in the ward & how would you fix them?Traffic and parking are frequent frustrations for residents - how would you tackle them?What would you do to breathe new life into our shopping areas, or is the high street as we know it dead?How will you increase the availability of defibrillators, and make sure they are shared on the responder app & BHF network so they can be found when needed?To what degree do national politics overshadow local issues - which is more important, person or party?HMOs. Good bad or ugly? Would you seek to improve them, limit them or stop them all together?What would you see the council do to tackle the knife crime and other violent assaults on our city's streets?LGR - good or bad thing for Portsmouth?This year we celebrate the centenary of Portsmouth - what about the city are you most proud?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Joining us for our 2026 Copnor ward hustings are:-🟦Ben Swann🟥Andy Butterworth(Our invitation was extended to the other three candidates).Hustings rules available on our website https://www.pppodcast.uk/2026-hustingshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aT--wYfSSMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2klCbY4ZH4 QuestionsWhat are the top three issues in the ward & how would you fix them?Traffic and parking are frequent frustrations for residents - how would you tackle them?What would you do to breathe new life into our shopping areas, or is the high street as we know it dead?Voter turnout across the city varies significantly, with some wards repeatedly less than half of others. How can this be addressed?To what degree do national politics overshadow local issues - which is more important, person or party?HMOs. Good bad or ugly? Would you seek to improve them, limit them or stop them all together?What would you see the council do to tackle the knife crime and other violent assaults on our city's streets?LGR - good or bad thing for Portsmouth?This year we celebrate the centenary of Portsmouth - what about the city are you most proud?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

In a first for us, our multi-ward hustings - a political pick’n’mix if you like.We put questions to:-🟥Tom Coles (Fratton)🟦Thomas Hoare (Paulsgrove)🟩Elliott Lee (Charles Dickens)Reform and the Liberal Democrats were also invited by did not field a candidate to take part.QuestionsWhat are the top three issues in your ward & how would you fix them?Traffic and parking are frequent frustrations for residents - how would you tackle them?What would you do to breathe new life into our shopping areas, or is the high street as we know it dead?Voter turnout across the city varies significantly, with some wards repeatedly much lower than others. How can this be addressed?HMOs. Good bad or ugly? Would you seek to improve them, limit them or stop them all together?What would you see the council do to tackle the knife crime and other violent assaults on our city's streets?LGR - good or bad thing for Portsmouth?This year we celebrate the centenary of Portsmouth - what about the city are you most proud?Apple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

We take a look at the leaders’ questions and the PM’s answers at today’s PMQs.What questions will the opposition party leaders put?Will they get answers?Who comes off the exchanges best?Will the points land or get lost in the noise?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

We take a listen to the leaders' questions asked to Prime Minister, Keir Starmer today in parliament.Today's questions come from Kemi Badenoch (Leader of the Opposition) - Leader of the Conservative Party, & Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats.Which questions deserved an answer? Which received one?Who came out the exchange best?How many often repeated phrases did you catch?Our apologies for some audio issues in the last few minutes of the show (note to self - don't have your washing machine running when you're trying to stream a podcast).Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Last PMQ’s before Easter, join us for reactions to the Leaders’ questions and answers from PM Sir Keir Starmer. Today's PMQs includes questions from Kemi Badenoch, Sir Ed Davey & Nigel Farage.Are points being scored, or serious issues landed? Are questions getting answered or are the answers provided responses to a question that wasn’t asked?Who will come out of the event looking serious, with their finger on the pulse of the nation’s woes? Who comes out it looking like they have a clue what the public are worried about? Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

We take a look at the highs and lows, the points of argument, the areas of agreement at Tuesday’s full meeting of Portsmouth City Council.In the last full council ahead of May’s local elections - which were the agenda items that passed or did not?11a Cross border taxi licensing & passenger safety (Reform - Strudwick & Madgwick) 🚕11b (Removing) Council of Sanctuary (Reform - Madgwick & Standen) 🆘11c Depaving in Portsmouth (Labour - Smyth & Fielding) 🛣11d Pride in our high sts. (Labour - Fielding & Adeniran) 🛒11e Supporting our Veterans (Lib Dems - Pitt & Sanders) 🎖11f Public Health grant for substance misuse support & treatment (Lib Dems - Winnington & Horton) 🏥12.1 How does the council make sure it doesn't use banking institutions with investments in armaments? (🔴Cllr Smyth to 🔶Cllr Ian Holder - Chair governance & audit & standards Committee)12.2 Provide update regarding planned traffic & road safety schemes across the city including backlogs. (🔴Cllr Feilding to 🔶Cllr Peter Candlish - Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation)12.3 What progress on improving recycling rates vs the rest of the country? (🔴Cllr Smyth to 🔶Cllr Dave Ashmore - Cabinet Member for environmental services)Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Join us as we react to PMQs from Wednesday March 18th.Will the point scoring continue?Will questions get answers?Will the football inspired shouting again incur the wrath of Speaker Hoyle?*Unfortunately some technical difficulties affected the livestream. These issues have been removed on the podcast.Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Join us as we react to Prime Minister’s Questions of March 11th 2026.Which questions are you expecting and from whom?How heavily will events in the Middle East shape questions & answers?What will we learn from the PM’s responses?Which of the party leaders will have the better day?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

We’re joined by Cabinet Member for Housing & Preventing Homelessness, Cllr Darren Sanders.What are the myths about housing in the city?What are the biggest barriers to availability of affordable housing?What does the council actually do to prevent homelessness and help people back into long term housing?Voting in May's local elections? Make sure you're registered to vote and have photo ID. Deadline to register 20/04/26 Details:- https://www.electoralcommission.org.ukSupport Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Which questions are you expecting and from whom? What will we learn from the PM’s responses? Which of the party leader had the better day?With events in the Middle East and the US & Israeli attack on Iran being the focus of the questions from Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch, and the impact from it on domestic energy prices by Sir Ed Davey (Leader of the Liberal Democrats) - with the point scoring and shouting pause to reflect the severity of the times? (we apologise for the audio issue at the start affecting those watching the recorded live show)Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

We report on the Full Council budget meeting of Feb 24th and discuss the recent by election results in Gorton & Denton, & in Shirley, as well as the fresh news this weekend of the US attack on Iran. Among other things, the Council will discuss and hopefully approve a budget for 2025/26 for Portsmouth. A surprise change at the start of the meeting - with the last two members of the Portsmouth Independents Party (PIP) defecting to Reform - bringing the Reform Councillors to 10 and cementing them as the official opposition on Portsmouth City Council.How much will Council Tax be going up this year?With a backdrop of looming local government reorganisation uncertainty, rising costs and ever increasing draws of the public purse - how will Portsmouth balance it’s budget? What investments will be made to make lives better for residents and businesses? Which projects will, and which projects won’t get funded?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

We take a look at the leaders’ questions on this week’s PMQs.As Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces off Kemi Badenoch with a side order of Ed Davey and a dash of Nigel Farage - Who comes off best? What questions actually get answers?Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

There are few things that get Portsmouth residents excited nearly as much as the apparently endless roadworks, struggles with parking, the prevalence of potholes. Are you Peeved with EV? Are you bonkers about buses? Why are there so many roadworks?Are residents' parking zones (RPZs) just a money making scheme that pushes problems to other streets?What are '15 minute cities' - are they a centralised control or just a pragmatic way to create neighbourhoods that are less car centric? Does the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) work in reducing pollution or just push traffic and pollution elsewhere? Why we shouldn't rule out buses if they're slow, inconvenient, confusingly ticketed and expensive? We’ll be taking a deep-dive into all things Traffic & Transportation with Cllr Peter Candlish. Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Great (electoral) Expectations? We take a look at elections to come. The Gorton & Denton by election - will Labour receive an electoral bloody nose - and if so, who lands the political punch? What will the result indicate for the local elections to follow? With one Councillor up for re-election in each of the city’s 14 wards in May we take look at who is reaching the end of their term, likelihood they’ll stand again and whether previous results and current public feeling give any indication of what parties will hold which seats, and which will change hands. Nominations close April 9th with announcement to follow confirming the candidates appear on the ballot in each ward. 🗳️Reaching the end of their term May 7th:🟧Abdul Kadir - Baffins🟧Matthew Winnington - Eastney & Craneswater🟧Steve Pitt - Milton🟧Mark Jeffery - St Thomas🟥George Fielding - Central Southsea🟥Yinka Adeniran - Charles Dickens🟥Asghar Shah - Cosham🟥Tom Coles - Fratton🟥Judith Smyth - St Jude🟦Ben Swann - Copnor🟦Simon Bosher - Drayton & Farlington(Reform) Russell Simpson - Hilsea(Reform) Jason Fazackarley - Nelson(Reform) Joe Standen - PaulsgroveImportant dates:-April 9th 4pm Close of nominations April 10th 4pm publication of persons nominated - no later than (Candidate list published)April 20th Deadline for voter registrations April 21st 5pm Deadline for applications for postal or proxy votingApril 28th 5pm Deadline for Voter Authority Certificates (voter ID for those without any other eligible photo ID). Support Pompey Politics PodcastApple PodcastYoutube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcast

Trying something new, we take a quick listen to today’s PMQs as PM Keir Starmer faces off with Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch.What did you think of today’s exchange? Substance or angry theatre?Let us know what you think.Youtube LandscapeYouTube portraitSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

We take a look at events local, national and international in 2026. What could the political New Years resolutions have possibly been, and are they just as forgotten by the 2nd week of February as our personal ones are? Portrait livestreamLandscape LivestreamSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

In our last show of 2025, we take a look at the last Full Council meeting for 2025 of Portsmouth City Council. Was the chamber filled with festive cheer and agreement or were 42 Grinches trying to ruin Christmas? What hint do proceedings give of the 2026 local elections campaigns? Before the council are:-11. A briefing on devolutionNotices of motion12a Aquind - The Council reaffirms its opposition to the Aquind interconnector project.12b Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Issues in Portsmouth12c Cross Border Taxi Licensing and Passenger Safety12d        Tackling Knife Crime and Enhancing Public Safety in Portsmouth12e Local Government Reorganisation - call on the govt not to force Portsmouth to become a larger unitary authority (encompassing Havant, Waterlooville, Gosport & Fareham.12f Improving Pedestrian Safety on Portsdown Hill Road12g Investing in Early Years: Expanded Free Breakfast Clubs and Childcare for Working Families in Portsmouth Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

After this week’s shock two year delay to the Mayoral elections for Hampshire & The Solent we invite candidates Cllr Martin Tod 🟧 & Anna Collar 🟩to help make sense of the mess. -What does this mean for devolution?-Are voters right to be confused and frustrated? -Will Hampshire (& the Isle of Wight) miss out?-Why the headlong rush, just to put the breaks on?-What does this mean for candidates?  Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.Consultation (closes Jan 11th)Gov.uk submissions

We take a look at Wednesday’s budget. Rachel Reeves’ 2nd as Chancellor of the Exchequer.Will there be a 3rd? | Who are the winners? | Who the losers? Was it bold or timid? | Does the leaking or ‘testing’ of policy ahead of the budget create more uncertainty? | Will the measures announced help with cost of living, reduce burden for small businesses and pay for services? | Will the Chancellor fill the gaps in local government funding?Which policy changes are you celebrating? | What are the changes the Chancellor could have made, but didn't? You can watch the budget in full on the Parliament's Youtube channel. Chancellor of the Exchequer's Speech Leader of the Opposition's SpeechBudget document Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

On behalf of Let's Stop Aquind, we hosted a public meeting with key speakers from across politics and two sides of the channel. What is the Aquind interconnector? It’s the controversially funded and designed plan to connect the UK and French electricity grids with a cable across countryside, farmland, parkland and through residential areas from Normandy to Lovedean, digging a trench along congested roads in Portsmouth on the way. Speakers:- Cllr Steve Pitt - Leader Portsmouth City CouncilSuella Braverman MP - Fareham & WaterloovilleCllr Antonia Harrison - Havant Borough CouncilCllr Martin Tod - Leader of Winchester City CouncilYoann Collin - President of Mayors, Normandy, FranceDonald Brument - President of Non à Aquind If you'd like to find out more about the campaigns on both sides of the channel:-https://stopaquind.comhttps://www.non-a-aquind.orgLet the planning inspectorate know what you think of the project:- [email protected] Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

This week we take a look at Tuesday's Full Council - was it a council or consensus or clash of the councillors? Notices of Motion11a Planning & Infrastructure bill (Opposing government plans to increase the planning applications decided by officers, and limit those decided by Councillors) - Cllrs Gardner (CON) Cllr Simpson (REF) 11b Fair votes (Supporting votes at 16. Proportional representation) - Cllr Hunt (LIB DEM) Cllr Adair (LIB DEM)11c Support for Healthwatch (Strong opposition to government plans to abolish Healthwatch) - Cllr Swann (CON) Cllr Bosher (CON)11d Digital IDs (Opposition to government plans to mandate digital IDs) - Cllr Barrett (LIB DEM) Pitt (LIB DEM)11e <removed to be discussed at next council meeting>11f Allocation of asylum dispersal (Opposing number housing asylum seekers in Portsmouth compared to other areas) - Cllr Standen (REF) Cllr Madgwick (REF) 11g Support VALOUR Network (Support to improve military housing) - Cllr Fielding (LAB) Cllr Adeniran (LAB)Link to agenda and PCC's recorded livestream in comments on the event. Clips from PCC's Democratic Services recorded livestream.  Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

Can the controversial Aquind electricity interconnector project between Normandy, France and Portsmouth, England - cutting a swathe through countryside, farmland and disrupting residents digging up residential and vital arterial roads finally get stopped for good? Five years on, we invite Let’s Stop Aquind and their French counterpart, Non à Aquind back onto the show to share the latest.https://stopaquind.comhttps://www.non-a-aquind.orgStop Aquind on Facebook Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

 3 1/2 million British citizens living overseas are entitled to vote in UK elections, but only 200,000 are registered to do so.  What elections are they entitled to vote in?How does it work?How long does this entitlement to vote in UK elections last?Why aren’t more Brits living overseas retaining their right to vote?  We hear from Mike Tuffrey & John Shardlow of the British Overseas Voters Forum to help us separate fact from fiction and understand the struggles Brits abroad face having a say in the future decisions in the UK. More details of British Overseas Voters Forum https://bovf.org.uk Find out how to register to vote abroad https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-living-abroadSubscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

Paulsgrove (a council ward in Portsmouth UK) goes the polls in a by election October 23rd 2025 after the resignation in mid September of the Portsmouth Independent Party Councillor Brian Madgwick for health reasons. We invited all five candidates to take part in our online hustings. The candidates in this election are:-Georgina Ayling - Green PartyThomas Hoare - Conservative Party Sydna Phillips - Labour Party Michelle Simmons - Liberal DemocratsJoe Standen - Reform UKUnfortunately the Lib Dem and Green Party candidates informed us they wouldn't be able to make the hustings. Although the reform candidate had originally accepted and confirmed the date, and despite several communications back and forth this week, informed us the day before the hustings that they had another appointment the evening of the hustings. The two candidates taking part and answering questions were Sydna Phillips (Labour) & Thomas Hoare (Conservative) These were the questions we asked:-What are the people of Paulsgrove telling you is the most important issue they want addressed - and if elected how will you as a Councillor address it? Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Good or bad thing for Portsmouth?How important is it to live in the ward you represent?The area around Paulsgrove and on Portsdown Hill is often used as an illegal racetrack. Is enough being done to stop this, what's your solution?How much do you feel national party politics will influence the outcome of this election?Port Solent and Paulsgrove have very different resident demographics, needs and challenges, how would you address those different needs? Recent announcements revealed a multi million pound investment in Portsmouth from central government, as well as £2m per year for the next decade for Paulsgrove. What should it be spent on?Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.

It’s been a packed political conference season across the UK — from the bold promises of Reform in Birmingham, Labour’s big pledges in Liverpool to the Lib Dems’ revival talk in Bournemouth, followed by the Greens’ record-breaking Bournemouth weekend before the Conservatives’ closed the season with their reset in Manchester, What really stood out? Who connected with the public — and who missed the mark? 🎙️We hear first hand comment from party members. We’ll look at:💬 The biggest announcements from each📈 What resonated with voters🗳️ How the parties are positioning for the next General Election🎧 Tune in, comment live, and tell us:👉 Which party spoke to you this conference season?👉 Which announcement might actually change the political landscape?Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.Take part in our Paulsgrove by-election poll or our 2026 local and mayoral elections poll.

National digital ID cards? Paulsgrove by-election candidates announcedPortsmouth City Council full council meeting 23rd SeptemberWe take a look at political news local and national, discuss and through some ideas back and forth. Are these changes really needed? Are they well thought out? Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.Take part in our Paulsgrove by-election poll or our 2026 local and mayoral elections poll.

In their first show since their summer break, Ian & Simon take a look at the political events, local, national and international and discuss the events themselves, their meaning or potential significance. In a wide-ranging fast paced opinion piece they share their views and observations of events good, bar or terrifying. Subscribe on Youtube, Follow on Facebook or signup for our email newsletter. Donate to support the podcastYou can also send us a voicemail.Take part in our Paulsgrove by-election poll or our 2026 local and mayoral elections poll.

We review Portsmouth City Council’s meeting of the Full Council July 15th 2025 - what were the big items on the agenda? Which were controversial ? Where was there harmony? Where was there heated debate?  In this meeting the council discussed:-🗳️ an update on the government's Local Government Reorganisation and what that means for Portsmouth. 🏢 The planning squeeze on Portsmouth as it's forced to allow the building of more and more homes💨Improving air quality in the city 🌊 Is the council reacting fast enough to the threat of the climate emergency?👨‍🦽‍➡️The lack of disability accessible equipment and the city's play parks.🏘️The unintended consequences of 'lawful development certificates' - and how this could increase HMO developments🚬Tackling rogue traders selling illegal tobacco & vapes💩 Southern Water - will massive increases in bills result in massive reductions in sewage pollution in our area?Empty homes consultation PCC devolution milestone Planning consultation - Closes 23:59 BST 23/07/25 Signup for our weekly newsletterDonate to support the podcast

Founder of ‘The Executive Menopause Coach’ - Claire Hattrick joins us to share her menopause journey. After years of being severely debilitated by undiagnosed menopause joint pain Claire turned her experience into an inspiring drive to help women 1-2-1 and advise businesses how to support and retain their staff as they experience menopause. Menopause Coach websiteInstagram & Threads @theexecutivemenopausecoachX @menopausecoach_Signup for our newsletter

With air pollution in our congested city contributing to respiratory illness and shortening the life expectancies of residents - we ask local air quality campaigners what improvements have been made, and what more could be done?We're joined by Viola Langley, Rod Bailey & Tim Sheerman Chase from 'Let Pompey Breathe'. We also have an interview from Cllr Peter Candlish - the cabinet member for Traffic & Transportation on Portsmouth City Council. Signup for our newsletterRecorded Livestream (Portrait)Landscape editWhen available, Landscape edit will be linked here.

We ask former Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Jason Fazackarley about his & Lady Mayoress, Helen Mitchell's highs & lows for their year representing the city of Portsmouth & its residents. Just how do you make a Mayor - there’s a Mayor Making ceremony, but how do you become one? What were the highs and lows for Jason and his Lady Mayoress, Helen Mitchell? If he could change anything about the Lord Mayor’s role, what would it be?What advice would Jason give to an incoming Mayor or Mayoress?All of these and more. Portrait (recorded livestream) Landscape EditSignup to our newsletter Subscribe on YouTubeSupport the show

What are we talking about this week?We asked our audience to tell of which of the pressing recent political events would they want to see us talk about. A poll is a poll - so we talk over three issues: - Israel (and now America's) bombing of Iran, The government u-turn on a national inquiry into grooming gangs, & The Welfare Reform bill.  Landscape edit. Portrait (recorded livestream)Signup to our newsletter Subscribe on YouTubeSupport the show

Portsmouth this year hosts UK Pride, and with Pride itself rapidly approaching, we hear from Tally Aslam, Co-Chair of the Portsmouth Pride Trust. All this & more..What’s on the itinerary for June 7th? How are Pride navigating the politics?Protest, great day out or both?Biggest challenges faced by the community?How to be a good ally?YouTube Portrait recorded livestream YouTube Landscape editFacebook - Portsmouth PrideQueer all year - InstagramSignup for our newsletter

With several countries around the world enacting bans on smartphones in schools, and on social media access for children, we ask -Is their pervasive use having an detrimental impact on learning, concentration, mental health?  Should the UK also instigate a ban? What’s happening in today’s classrooms, and what might the solutions be?We’re joined by Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education on Portsmouth City Council, 🟧Cllr Nick Dorrington, 🟥Cllr Mark Coates who happens to be a teacher, and Rachael Speed, also a Teacher. Video Landscape Portrait

This week saw Portsmouth City Council’s Mayor Making ceremony and Annual General Meeting.We interviewed CLLRS Graham Heaney (Deputy Leader Labour group on PCC) & George Madgwick (Leader of Portsmouth Independents Party on PCC) to hear what happens when two parties can both lay claim to the number two spot on the council. How do you decide when the next largest groups on the council are two parties both with 9 Councillors?How do you make a Mayor?Why did the PIP Councillors chose not to sit with the other council members on stage for the ceremony?Join our weekly newsletter if you'd like to hear about upcoming episodes and suggest questions, topics or guests. https://www.pppodcast.uk/newsletterPlease leave us a review, and don't forget to follow wherever you get your podcasts, on Facebook or Youtube. Bluesky LinkedIn

Solent WASPI talk to us about their campaign for fair treatment and justice.  -What do they want the campaign to achieve? -What next after the government’s rejection that compensation is owed to women born in the 1950s? WASPI web address: www.waspi.co.uk WASPI Crowdjustice page, which includes the most recent legal updates:https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/waspijustice/Their Facebook pages are:https://www.facebook.com/WaspiCampaignhttps://www.facebook.com/SolentWASPI on X:@WASPI_Campaign@solent_waspiRecorded livestream portrait Landscape Sign up for our show newsletter to hear about upcoming shows:-https://www.pppodcast.uk/newsletterSupport the podcast: pompeypoliticspodcast.captivate.fm/support