In Kent, Labour has a fight on its hands – and a make-or-break test for its housing revolution | Polly Toynbee

Swale borough council’s planning committee was meeting to vote on an application to build a garden village.

The site for 8,400 new houses near Sittingbourne includes plans for affordable homes, schools, GP surgeries, shops, sheltered housing, upgraded railway stations and a crucial relief road.

Hours before the vote, Angela Rayner was calling in the decision so her Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government would have the final say.

He is unafraid to argue with constituents about the severity of the national housing crisis.

A bit more of that fearlessness would be welcome in the cabinet.

Act as if there is only one term. Drive on regardless of criticism, get it done and nail it down. That's the best chance of getting another five years .