On this week’s Kent Politics Podcast, our reporters discuss the problems facing the NHS and how they might be fixed - as seen from the perspective of a veteran Kent GP.

Dr Julian Spinks tells us how things have changed in his time in the medical profession, what he would change if given the chance, and reveals the reasons behind some of the service’s quirks.

He also talks about how realistic the Prime Minister’s ambition to get 92% of patients treated within 18 weeks is and how it might be made to happen.

They also discuss the biggest stories from across the county, including a massive planning application - likely to be the largest in the country - and accusations by councillors of “playing politics” over the winter fuel allowance.

We also hear about the biggest stories from Westminster, including how Kent MPs have been bolstering independent retailers on Small Business Saturday.

The weekly podcast, which launched earlier this year, brings together local democracy reporters, Simon Finlay, Robert Boddy, and Dan Esson.

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

And KM senior news editor Nikki White takes us through the latest developments in Westminster.

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

Readers can also keep up-to-date with the latest political news on our dedicated Kent Politics page on KentOnline.

New episodes are available each Friday.