Reform UK has suspended four councillors on Kent County Council after a leaked video revealed bitter infighting within the party. The footage, first published by the Guardian, shows councillors complaining about 'backbiting' and being ignored by their leader, Linden Kemkaran, who told them to 'fucking suck it up' if they disagreed with her decisions.
A party spokesperson announced that councillors Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett and Maxine Fothergill had the whip suspended pending investigation, following 'evidence that they brought the party into disrepute'. The suspensions reduce Reform's majority on the council from 57 to 50, with two other councillors previously suspended and one joining Ukip.
Antony Hook, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, warned that the infighting is directly affecting constituents. He said a committee meeting on school transport due to take place on Wednesday has been cancelled because of the suspensions, potentially delaying transport grants for children.
Labour and Conservative MPs criticised the party. Sojan Joseph, Labour MP for Ashford, called the situation an 'absolute shambles', citing failed initiatives and likely council tax rises. Louie French, Tory MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, said the chaos was a 'serious warning' of what Reform in power would look like.
A source claimed the councillors were removed 'with no firm evidence' and described 'panic stations' within the Kent group. They added that a vote of no confidence in Kemkaran was being prepared for early November. Kemkaran has reportedly emailed fellow councillors seeking the 'cowards' who leaked the meeting.
