New Sussex & Surrey Soapbox podcast aims to close the gap on the local issues that matter

It brings together a Roundtable of community members - Clive Hilton (Host & Creator), Georgie Lucas, Iqbal Khan, James Tidy, Maureen Jones, Aga Es, Jacq Inwood, Micaela Leal and special guests. Supported by Magdalena Rahman & Waqas Akhtar - Local leaders and diverse viewpoints to have honest, respectful conversations about the things that actually matter — from immigration, mental-health and housing through to the cost-of-living, parenting and education.

Focussed on exploring perspectives, understanding the real issues and bringing more humanness to uncovering common ground with practical outcomes. In a time when debate often feels divisive or toxic, the ‘Sussex & Surrey Soapbox’ podcast is about disagreeing better, listening more, and reconnecting people with the power and relevance of local conversation.

‘Why Don’t We Vote? The Local Politics Reality Check’ is the latest episode that landed Sunday (22nd March) mindful of the upcoming local elections, hosted by Clive Hilton and Tony Williams, with panel guests from across the political spectrum:

• Cllr Richard Biggs (Conservative) - Leader of Reigate and Banstead BC, Councillor for Horley West and Sidlow.
• James Tidy (Reform UK), Vice Chairman of Reform UK, Crawley.
• Cllr Abigail Chapman-Miller (Labour) - Parish Councillor & sits on East Surrey Executive Committee.
• Cllr Mark Smith (Independent) - Councillor in Redhill and sit on Reigate & Banstead BC.
• Cllr Bob Lanzer (Conservative) - West Sussex County Council Councillor and cabinet member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Crawley BC.

‘What ONE thing needs to be fixed in this town?’ echoed across a multitude of social media groups with a long list of your community issues and concerns being put to the panel with a lively conversation:

Affordable Housing, Social Housing & New Housing with the necessary infrastructure (schools, GPs, education, roads and even water!)

State of the roads and potholes across Sussex & Surrey

Cost-of-Living, Social Care pressures,

Growth – Gatwick Expansion, Business Rates & Support

Local government shake-up: unitary authorities, devolution and democratic accountability

Are Councillors and Councils truly understanding local sentiment and their community issues? Serving residents? And are they needed at a local level?

For the full conversation of why vote on 7th May: Listen to the Podcast

This isn’t a podcast about party lines or political soundbites. It’s a local roundtable built to bridge the gap, tackling the issues people are actually talking about — with balance, openness and real debate.

And you can have your say – Sussex & Surrey Soapbox: Facebook Group

Recent episodes include:

• “The 2026 Classroom” — a frontline teacher on rising pressures in schools
• “Student Loan Injustice” — questioning whether higher education still delivers value
• International Women’s Day Special — equality at work and the “mental load” at home
• ️ Community reflections — from national identity to family life and cultural conversations

Each episode shares the same ethos: real conversations, grounded in lived experience, about the issues shaping Sussex & Surrey.