Last night, The Political Medway held our first live event, a debate between the future leaders of Medway Council as we approach the local elections. We were delighted to have Cllr Jarrett of Medway Conservatives and Cllr Maple from Medway Labour both came and set out their vision for Medway in front of an audience of approximately 200 people at Midkent College.
If you couldn’t make it along, you can catch up on all of the action from the evening below through medium of tweets:
Shit is well and truly getting real. #MedwayDebates19 pic.twitter.com/mmPnfK436r
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our host for the evening is in position! #MedwayDebates19 pic.twitter.com/zxlh87ptRW
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
One of our participants is here! #MedwayDebates19 pic.twitter.com/y7hOxjDpKL
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Kind of wish we’d gone with #politiCOOL instead of #MedwayDebates19. https://t.co/hVTju519xc
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Sizeable turn out for the debate, the people of Medway clearly care about having a say in who runs their council #MedwayLeadersDebate pic.twitter.com/XwyzQtWhVv
— Oliver Kemp (@Oliverjourno) April 18, 2019
There are people here! Questions due to start at 7.30pm! #MedwayDebates19 pic.twitter.com/vCIVIXhgIQ
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
He also praises @MedwayPolitics for putting the event on, and hopes for a good debate tonight pic.twitter.com/Bbkrjw2Kep
— Oliver Kemp (@Oliverjourno) April 18, 2019
Filling up ahead of the Leaders’ debate #Medway courtesy of @MedwayPolitics pic.twitter.com/yVGuvSYv0l
— Caroline Williams (@C_WilliamsNews) April 18, 2019
..and we’re off! #MedwayDebates19 pic.twitter.com/sQeXrDlbKa
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
At MidKent College, Gillingham Campus for The Medway Leaders' Debate, hosted by @MedwayPolitics.
— Upchurch Matters (@UpchurchMatters) April 18, 2019
Potential future leaders of Medway Council, Cllrs #AlanJarrett and @vincemaple answering your questions this evening.#MedwayDebates19 pic.twitter.com/cCXbvUsmBn
Cllr Jarrett for Medway Conservatives has the first opening remarks, and is sitting out achievements of his administration, but unfortunately uses all of his time and finds himself cut off. Oops. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Yes. Yes he did. Cheers Alan. #MedwayDebates19 https://t.co/JwKrhpayE1
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple sets out his stall for Medway Labour, criticising decisions of the Conservative administration, and declaring that it is "time for a change". #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
First category is education, and our first audience question "how will you work to improve KS2 levels of achievement in Medway primary schools?". Cllr Jarrett says schools are in a better place than they were and the council will continue to improve the offer. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple acknowledges that schools have got better, but only because they were previously at the bottom and the current position is still not good enough. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our second question is about home education. Cllr @vincemaple says we need to look at why so many parents feel the need to home educate, and that a certain amount of oversight is needed no matter the type of education. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett seems to broadly agree with Cllr Maple on home education, saying it works for some, but we need to understand why and that oversight is required. Gets in a jab about Jeremy Corbyn's education policies because why not. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our next question is about SureStart closures, specifically one in Brompton. Cllr Jarrett defends the closures, saying SureStart was "never meant to be childcare on the cheap". That gets a.. response from the audience. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple starts bashing the table when he says two of his candidates were inspired to stand over SureStart closures. Punchy. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Local election debate is very interesting… @thomasb8899 @MedwayPolitics @vincemaple pic.twitter.com/LO5WhPPg1N
— Christina Arena (@Chrissie_arena) April 18, 2019
We've now moved onto the – admittedly quite broad – economy category. First question asks if a balanced budget can be guaranteed while maintaining the lowest council tax in Kent. Cllr @vincemaple says yes, they will, and sets out 'waste' they would cut. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett replies that @MedwayLabour's manifesto is undeliverable, and says "we'll go through the maths later if you like" to a heckling audience. That'll be fun. Should have booked a whiteboard. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our next question is on eradicating homelessness. Cllr Jarrett says a multi agency is approach is vital, and comments that "our rough sleeper count is about 20". Some in audience seem to find that number questionable. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Quite a claim from Cllr Jarrett who says Medway has created a "vacuum" for rough sleepers as our provision is better for them here, saying they come here from other areas. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple says homelessness goes beyond rough sleeping, includes insecure tenants, sofa surfing, and targets rogue landlords in the area. Says we need to build council housing. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our next question is on removing late night parking charges. Cllr @vincemaple says he will freeze parking charges, restore visitor permits, and late night charges are problematic for a nighttime economy. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
There is no removing that hat. #MedwayDebates19 https://t.co/FiCpbW5Ic0
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett says he feels like the parking charges are reasonable, and takes issue with Cllr @vincemaple's figures. Then references 'Cllr Mrs Murray' because we still refer to female councillors like that in 2019 apparently. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Its getting heated in this debate room #MedwayDebates19 @MedwayPolitics @thomasb8899 @vincemaple pic.twitter.com/UUkzsIyo8O
— Christina Arena (@Chrissie_arena) April 18, 2019
We've moved onto the environment and the first question is on climate change but to be honest we haven't really kept up well with the answers as we're still composing ourselves following the previous exchange. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our next question is protecting wildlife and biodiversity in the context of planning and development. Cllr @vincemaple says he supported the Lodge Hill development, which he accepts won't be popular. Says all areas need to take share of new housing. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett – in a rare moment of unity – says he agrees with almost everything Cllr @vincemaple said. Says locals in Lodge Hill have won for now, but will still get the houses in the end, whoever is in charge. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Good to be here for this evening's #MedwayDebates19. Whatever your view good to see so many politically engaged and active people in Medway ready for a debate. @MedwayPolitics pic.twitter.com/oFWD3QDpUt
— George Perfect (@georgehperfect) April 18, 2019
Our next question. "Will weekly bin collections be maintained?" Cllr Jarrett says yes, but it isn't in their manifesto as the council can't know what national government may impose on them. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple says they would be maintained even under @MedwayLabour. Raises concerns about employment rights of current waste workers as they are moved from Veolia to Medway Norse. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
We're onto the next category – democracy. First question asks "what pledge would you make to young people in Medway who have a voice but cannot vote". Cllr @vincemaple says democracy will be opened up, and will open the door to listen to young people. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett's pledge to young people is "to do what we're doing and a bit more". Rightio. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Good to see both @MedwayTories & @MedwayLabour being clear that they see @MYC_MEDWAY at the heart of the Council. https://t.co/xe9wgCPtjo
— George Perfect (@georgehperfect) April 18, 2019
Our next question is on improving the "demeaning and toxic environment" at council meetings. Cllr Jarrett says although both parties differ, they do both have best interests of Medway at heart and that disagreement in a mature way is healthy. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple says the council works well when it works together, but their parties have fundamental disagreements on many things. Says conversations in council and on social are "robust". That's one way of putting it. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our next question asks about the lack of women in cabinet, as only 1 of the 10 cabinet members are female. Cllr @vincemaple pledges that @MedwayLabour would not have a 90% male and white cabinet. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett says he doesn't believe in quotas, cites meritocracy. Cllr Jarrett says he will decide who the most appropriate councillors are for the new cabinet post election but it was reflect "abilities of the available members". #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett gets into another spat with the audience. Our crack security team have leapt into action to tell a some audience members to calm down. We weren't quite expecting this level of animation. Crikey. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Scenes. #MedwayDebates19 pic.twitter.com/nkBmGoFSlI
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our next question is on the state of CCTV in Medway. Cllr @vincemaple uses it to talk about the failures of MCG. Shame he wasted his "Making Conservatives Gone" joke earlier on in the night. Says his party would "take back control". #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
@vincemaple magnanimous enough to acknowledge @MatthewScottPCC work on mental health issues.#MedwayDebates19
— Andrew Lawrence (@MrAWJLawrence) April 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett admits he got things over CCTV, and that MCG have let the council on this, but says "we have turned in corner" and "we are in a much better place". #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Our final questions asks each candidate what they most admire about their rival. Cllr Jarrett says Cllr @vincemaple is "affable" and "a decent chap". Cllr @vincemaple recognises Cllr Jarrett has stood up for his area. Both say the other is in the wrong party. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
We're now onto closing statements. Cllr Jarrett says it's been "a pretty enjoyable evening". Hooray! He sets out again that his manifesto is deliverable, and says "things would come crashing down" under @MedwayLabour. #MedwayDebates19
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple says their manifesto is affordable and deliverable, and calls on the people of Medway to deliver change. One person leaps up for a standing ovation. #MedwayDebates19.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
..and we’re done! Thanks again to everyone who came, Cllr Jarrett and Cllr @vincemaple, and to @MidKentCollege for hosting tonight! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. pic.twitter.com/OEDPADqMSz
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
For clarity, @medwaypolitics also had pictures taken with other posters and parties pic.twitter.com/XPIoGXb1FI
— Candy (@candyafp) April 18, 2019
Well that was a blast….I will never get that 90 mins back….but who doesn’t love a hustings #medwaydebates19 @MedwayPolitics thanks for organising!
— david valentine (@dvintheether) April 18, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed @MedwayPolitics #MedwayDebates 19 event @MidKentCollege. Hope more happens in the future! The event showed both leaders' personality which can't be described in any manifesto.
— Thomas Baldock (@thomasb8899) April 18, 2019
Well done 'not Ed' @MedwayPolitics for managing an interesting debate well. And credit to Vince and Alan for taking part. #MedwayDebates19
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) April 18, 2019
Ok, so congrats to @MedwayPolitics for a well organised hustings despite Steve not be able to distinguish between Cllr Maple and Cllr Jarrett.
— Andrew Lawrence (@MrAWJLawrence) April 18, 2019
Didn’t see Ed at all but understood he was skulking somewhere in the wings!
Not sure any minds were changed by this but great fun.
An interesting debate hosted by @MedwayPolitics tonight. Hearing from both Conservatives and Labour on my local area #MedwayDebates19 #MedwayDebates full respect for anyone who puts themselves up for such a job regardless of party
— James Crow (@JamesCrowFilm) April 18, 2019
Excellent #MedwayDebates19 well done to @MedwayPolitics for a really good debate. If you follow them, give them a donation to support their work.
— Gareth Myton (@GarethMyton) April 18, 2019
Members of MYC were able to attend #MedwayDebates19 and would like to congratulate @MedwayPolitics on creating the event.
— Medway Youth Council (@MYC_MEDWAY) April 18, 2019
For those who couldn’t attend, take a look below ⬇️ on why you should vote in the Local Elections on May 2nd! pic.twitter.com/9spTrk1apY
We’re home and kind of buzzing following #MedwayDebates19 today, and we are so thankful for all of the kind words and responses about the event. See you again in 2023, yeah?
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 18, 2019
As Cllr Jarrett kindly pointed out at one point, we run The Political Medway on a volunteer basis, so we really appreciate the generous donations that keep us going. If you would like to contribute a little to this project, the link to do so is here: https://t.co/MqQy731SYC
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 19, 2019
Last night was interesting but I hope you will ask your chairman to control the meeting rather than someone from the edge of the hall. My real complaint is the with out live questioning the two got of light leaving them able to avoid certain question not covered by the pre posted questions. Debate was thusly not free flowing. Had I understood this was the Labour/Tory party only, I would have spent my time knocking on doors. The idea that only two parties should be represented because they could only hold power did not consider how the minor parties would react should Medway be a hung Council. We were left to assume that only these two gentlemen would affect the future of Medway, that of course may not be so. They may just have to work with others. Others who were not granted democratic equality to speak or even comment.