Michael

BBC Political Reporter

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

We won a radio Oscar......all of us together a family!! I have never in my career seen a day like this....Xx

[BBC Kent @BBCRadioKent]

Bridget Porter, Reform UK county councillor on Kent County Council, has been criticised for calling IVF a "lifestyle choice" similar to a "boob job" or "butt lift".

More here: https://t.co/6ptLsCGE5P

[BBC Kent @BBCRadioKent]

Resignations and a revolt by some MPs this week have challenged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's grip on power but what do the Kent Labour MPs make of the week's events?

More here: https://t.co/p0VLmPr1Is

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

NEW: Gillingham and Rainham MP @naushabah_khan after resigning as PPS this week now comes out in full support of Team Streeting, telling me he 'has both the numbers and vision the country needs to stop another series of psycho dramas'

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughn throws his weight behind Andy Burnham.

[Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanMP]

I have massive respect for Josh Simons’ @joshsimonsmp decision to resign, which I know will have been an incredibly difficult one.

This by-election is an important opportunity for Andy Burnham to show how Labour can stop the march of the populist right and inspire people again.

Andy Burnham is already delivering for Greater Manchester, whether it be public control of buses, tackling homelessness and creating world-class technical education opportunities.

The whole of the Labour movement must get behind Andy and his vision and do it with passion, with energy and with a winning mentality.

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

Polly Billington in Thanet has said she won't comment on leadership race. So far one of the only Kent MPs not to show hand.

Some not saying who they would support, but want a time table to declared to see all possible options.

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

Kent Labour MPs this evening:

The loud backers of Starmer from earlier this week now saying they won't do press until Monday.

Others now say they "Back the government"

So far Mike Tapp is the only one to say publicly even if a leadership race is contested he'd still back PM

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

One of the lighter moments today....

[Josh Gafson @JoshGafson1]

As Black Rod knocked on the door, someone in the Commons shouted 'not now, Andy'

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

@susana_mendonca @BBCRadioLondon I remember when we got a wave as his Royal Highness went through....

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

Naushabah Khan MP for Gillingham and Rainham becomes the latest member of the government to resign as PPS.

In her statement, she says she wants new leadership to deliver trust and a better future.

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

4 Labour MPs in Kent so far give Starmer their backing after the big speech.

Only Folkestone's Tony Vaughn so far publicly saying change is needed.

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

@LeaderofKCC The leader of Medway Council @vincemaple tells the BBC "residents across Kent have been let down, today's news doesn't suprise me, the big suprise is he held on this long "

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

Break: Dave Hinton the boss of South East Water has resigned.

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

Leader of KCC @LeaderofKCC tells the BBC "Dave Hinton didn't have a plan, and now he has finally resigned, it took too long and was completely unacceptable...."

On changes "I lost confidence in both Hinton and the board, I hope these changes deliver the transformation SeW needs"

[BBC Kent @BBCRadioKent]

The chair of South East Water has resigned following a damning report into major supply issues that left tens of thousands of homes without drinking water.

More here: https://t.co/NhNBJ11e4Q

[BBC Kent @BBCRadioKent]

Residents in Tunbridge Wells can begin voting in the local elections from Saturday - five days sooner than almost every other part of the country.

More here: https://t.co/4U8DdHlC3u

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

This is big news following the EFRA committee report published today.

@ThreshedThought tells me this now increases pressure on the CEO Dave Hinton to go.

Committee Chair @amcarmichaelMP tells Radio Kent the biggest risk now is "Hinton stays."

[BBC Kent @BBCRadioKent]

A South East Water chair has resigned after MPs said they have no confidence in the company's leadership.

More here: https://t.co/qPOAA00Yw2

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

@zoe_cairns @hhandc @Tim_Aker Superb evening, superb company.

What wasn't to like.

Thank you for inspiring me with some good social media ideas.

[Michael @michaelkeohan]

@CWMTWRCHRFC As a front rower myself, this is sad news when one of our own goes.

Best to the club for the final game(s) of the season, I hope the end of season bash is a good one in his memory.