The Reform Party has suspended four of its councillors in Kent following evidence suggesting they brought the party into disrepute.
A spokesperson for the party confirmed: “Cllrs Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett and Maxine Fothergill have had the whip suspended pending investigation, following evidence that they brought the party into disrepute.”
The suspension comes after a video of a local council meeting was leaked to The Guardian, showing councillors in heated arguments over financial decision-making.
The footage appears to show Linden Kemkaran, the leader of Kent County Council, threatening to mute a councillor, believed to be Paul Thomas, for questioning her decisions.
Kent County Council is a significant test for the Reform Party, which gained control in the local elections earlier this year, winning 57 of the 81 seats. The council manages an annual budget of more than £2.5bn.
The video leak has sparked questions over internal discipline and transparency within the party, though it remains unclear who released the footage. Ms Kemkaran told the BBC that those responsible for the leak would face expulsion from the party.
One of the key challenges facing Kent council is reconciling Reform’s promises to cut taxes and spending with the practical demands of local governance, which may require rate increases.
Another major issue is local government reform, with proposals to replace existing councils across Kent with one or more unitary authorities. Councils have been asked to submit plans for reorganisation by 28 November 2025.
Kent County Council’s website states that it is “keen to explore” the creation of a single unitary authority covering Kent and Medway. Ms Kemkaran reportedly wrote to other council leaders confirming that her council would submit the proposal to the government.
In the leaked video, Ms Kemkaran is heard telling councillors: “Because I am not a dictator or an autocrat, I like feedback, I like to discuss. I like to hear what everybody thinks.
However, when it comes to making the really big decisions…Sometimes I will make a decision that might not be liked by everybody in the group. But I am afraid you are just going to have to fucking suck it up.”
The footage has highlighted internal tensions within the council as Reform attempts to translate its election promises into practical governance.
Before the May elections, Reform leader Nigel Farage expressed concerns about translating electoral victories into effective administration. Speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby, he said: “The biggest risk is succeeding, winning mayoralties, perhaps winning control of county councils, and not delivering.”
He added that if the party failed to deliver on its promises, voters would perceive Reform as “just like” other political parties.
Reform’s takeover of Kent council marked one of its most significant local election wins to date, positioning it as a party capable of managing large-scale local government budgets.
The suspensions serve as a warning to other party members about adherence to party discipline and the consequences of publicly challenging leadership.
Council meetings in Kent have historically been contentious, but the public release of internal footage has intensified scrutiny of the party’s management style and internal culture.
Financial management, taxation, and local government reorganisation remain the dominant topics on the council’s agenda, with residents watching closely to see how promises are implemented.
The party spokesperson reiterated that the suspended councillors remain under investigation and that further action will be taken depending on the findings.
Observers note that the incident may influence Reform’s reputation nationally, particularly as local councils are increasingly seen as a proving ground for new political movements.
Reform Party officials have not commented on the potential political fallout from the video leak, but insiders suggest the focus will remain on maintaining internal cohesion ahead of upcoming elections.
Editing by M10News Politics Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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