In this week’s episode of the Kent Politics Podcast our reporters discuss the big promises in the parties’ manifestos, how likely they are to be delivered and the declining trust in politicians.

Our special guest this week is Howard Cox, Reform UK’s candidate for London Mayor in May and their candidate for the Dover and Deal constituency* at the upcoming general election.

He talks about why he believes the Conservative and Labour parties are both socialist and won’t get a grip on immigration which he believes is a major issue up and down the country, but also having significant impacts in the constituency.

He also tells us about his Fair Fuel UK campaign, lobbying to freeze fuel tax and keep petrol prices down, and how lifelong Conservative voters are looking to Reform UK instead.

Our reporters also discuss the approval of planning conditions which have banned pet cats and children for a new development, what changes to planning regulations the major parties are promising and what this might mean for Kent, and the amount Kent County Council is paying to private schools to support SEND children.

We also talk about the latest in the general election campaign, including the highlights from the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats’ manifestos and why there has been a decline in trust of politicians and what it might mean.

The weekly podcast, which launched earlier this year, brings together local democracy reporters, Simon Finlay, Robert Boddy, Dan Esson and KM Media Group political editor Paul Francis.

Simon covers Kent County Council while Robert reports on Medway Council and Dan specialises in borough and district councils.

Paul brings his weekly Westminster Watch review – highlighting what’s happening in parliament and how it affects the county.

Next week we’ll be joined by Denise Scott-McDonald, parliamentary candidate for Labour in Sevnoaks.

You can listen to the podcast at IM Listening, or download it from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and TuneIn – just search for Kent Politics Podcast.

New episodes are available each Friday.

The podcast is the latest move to increase KentOnline’s political coverage ahead of a general election likely to be held later this year.

In recent months we also launched bespoke sections on KentOnline highlighting Kent Politics and Medway Politics.

Added to this is the highly-respected Kent Politics Show which airs on KMTV each Friday evening.

*The full list of candidates standing in the Dover and Deal constituency is: Mike Tapp, Labour Party; Stephen James, Conservative Party; Howard Cox, Reform UK; Penelope James, Liberal Democrats; Christine Oliver, Green Party; Steve Laws, English Democrats; Sylvia Petersen, Heritage Party; Colin Tasker, Workers Party of Britain; Geoffrey Lymer, Independent; Ash Payne, Independent; and Chris Tough, Independent.