Eight months ago, Robbie Lammas left the Conservatives for Reform.
Now he says it was “a huge mistake.”
We spoke to the Medway councillor about why he joined, why he left, and what he says he found inside Reform.
A prominent local recruit leaves Reform with questions about what the party is becoming
We’re opening up Local Authority on Friday as part of Indie News Week.
Come and meet the team, ask questions, suggest stories, and tell us what we’re missing.
If there’s an issue in your part of Medway that deserves more attention, we’d like to hear about it.
Local Authority
Local Authority
The Royal Function Rooms has been closed since 2022. Plans have now been submitted to convert the historic Rochester venue into housing.
Bob Collins sets out why he believes the venue should be protected, how residents can respond, and why this fight matters for Medway’s music and cultural life.
New interview: Medway portfolio holder Zoë Van Dyke talks to us about trade unions, mediation, local government, Arthur Scargill, why she never warmed to Jeremy Corbyn, and her decision not to seek re-election in 2027.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service wants to close fire stations at Grain and Cliffe, leaving Hoo as the only remaining station on the peninsula.
The service says the changes reflect risk and demand. Critics argue that longer journeys could put residents at risk.
What did Medway culture look like in May?
A Singing Loins book launch, Sweeps Festival, Bez in Rainham, new music from South Shore, a standout meal in Chatham, and more.
Our latest Culture Review is out now.
A new Charles Dickens-inspired collection sent Medway illustrator Esther Johnson down some unexpected research rabbit holes.
We spoke to her about the project and the stories she uncovered along the way.
Plus Fort Darnet’s future, a dropped School Streets scheme, council diary, events and more.
Medway wants new housing developments to pay more towards schools, healthcare, open space and local services.
Developers are pushing back, warning that higher obligations could make some schemes unviable.
We look at the argument beneath the next wave of Medway housing decisions.
Can a £15m health centre help Chatham live longer?
A major new NHS facility has opened inside the Pentagon, bringing GP and community health services into the heart of Chatham. We visited the new James Williams Healthy Living Centre and looked at the challenge it has been built to address.
New interview: Jody Carrington talks to us about running Poco Loco, keeping grassroots music alive, Medway Pride Fringe, parklets, IntraFest, and why Intra has become such an important part of Medway’s cultural life.
Local Authority
Local Authority
Local Authority
Local Authority will host an Open Newsroom at Sun Pier House in Chatham on Friday as part of Indie News Week.
The event will give readers and residents the chance to meet the team, ask questions, sug...
