Seven former Reform UK councillors have officially joined Rupert Lowe's newly established political party, Restore Britain, and will now form a distinct group within Kent County Council. This significant defection includes six councillors who were previously expelled from Reform UK, marking a notable shift in the local political landscape.
Defection Details and Council Group Formation
The newly formed Restore Britain group on Kent County Council comprises councillors Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, and Brian Black, who had been sitting as the Independent Group. They are joined by Robert Ford and Isabella Kemp from the current Independent Reformers Group, alongside independent-sitting councillors Maxine Fothergill and Dean Burns. This collective move establishes Restore Britain as a formal entity within the council's structure.
Reaction from Reform UK and Restore Britain
A Reform UK source responded dismissively to the defections, stating that Restore Britain is "welcome to our dregs." The source added, "Let’s not forget that six of these councillors were expelled from Reform. If this is Restore’s bar for councillors then it must be very low indeed." In contrast, Rupert Lowe, the Independent MP who founded Restore Britain after his contentious departure from Reform UK, announced the defection on social media platform X with optimism.
"I am delighted to announce that seven Kent County Councillors have today joined Restore Britain, and they will form an official Restore Britain group on the council," Lowe wrote. He further predicted, "there will be many more to come," emphasising that "this is a very important day for our party."
Background of Restore Britain and Policy Announcements
Restore Britain was established as a "political movement" by Rupert Lowe following his fractious exit from Reform UK. The party is expected to function as an umbrella political organisation, partnering with locally based political parties. On Wednesday, Lowe used X to publicise the party's deportation policy, which he claims details "exactly how we can remove millions of illegal migrants." Additionally, he has stated that there will be no national whip for Restore Britain councillors on local issues, allowing them greater autonomy.
Internal and External Political Reactions
Bill Barrett, an ex-Reform UK councillor and former leader of the Independent Reformers Group, offered a mixed response. While wishing his former colleagues well, he expressed that Restore Britain "is too right wing for me." Barrett, who now sits as an independent councillor, explained, "I sit in the centre ground of British politics where broad churches are made and that is where I will remain."
Antony Hook, the Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition on Kent County Council, commented on the ongoing political realignments, noting, "It is hard to keep track of the ever-changing groups leaving Reform." He affirmed that the Liberal Democrats "will continue to work hard for local people and argue for council policies that benefit all the people who live in our wonderful county."
Context of Reform UK's Control and Recent Turmoil
Reform UK secured control of Kent County Council in May, winning 57 out of 81 seats. However, the party's hold has weakened, with its current tally reduced to 48 councillors after removing nine. Most of these removals appear linked to a controversial video depicting council leader Linden Kemkaran shouting and swearing at her members, highlighting internal discord within the Reform UK group.
This defection to Restore Britain underscores the ongoing fragmentation and realignment within right-leaning political factions in Kent, potentially influencing local governance and policy directions in the coming months.
