Reform UK suspends four councillors for 'bringing party into disrepute' following video leak of tense meeting

Reform UK took control of Kent County Council (KCC) after winning 57 of the 81 seats at the local elections in May, overturning a 30-year Tory majority.

Footage of an online meeting where KCC leader Linden Kemkaran could be seen berating backbench councillors when they questioned her was released on Saturday.

In the leaked video, Ms Kemkaran appears to threaten to mute a councillor when they asked for an explanation on her decision-making.

The group appeared to be discussing the council's budget and plans for local government reorganisation in Kent.

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There has been a rumoured split between many of Kent Reform’s backbench councillors and the appointed since they took over.

On Monday, Reform UK announced the suspension of four KCC councillors, including Paul Thomas who Ms Kemkaren threatened to mute during the meeting.

Their spokesperson said: “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.”

It is understood that their suspension relates to the leaked video.

Ms Kemkaran told her councillors: “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, and LGR is one of those 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 f****** suck it up.”

Mr Thomas questioned whether Reform had the “right” leader and cabinet before he was muted by the council leader.

The leader said that managing to avoid raising council tax by 5% would be the “best thing” for KCC.

“People are looking at us, they are judging us every single day, every single minute of every single day. Nigel knows that. He is super aware that we are the flagship council,” she said.

After the recording was released in the press, Ms Kemkaran reportedly informed members that she had passed her "suspicions of who is responsible for this treachery to head office".

She said those responsible for sharing the meeting were "weak" and "foolish", and "obsessed with personal gain at the expense of group success".

Reform UK said its councils were "laser focused on achieving their election promises".

"This can sometimes lead to robust debate, but it shows just how seriously Reform UK representatives take their responsibilities to cut waste and deliver value for money," a party spokesperson said.

Opposition leader at KCC, Liberal Democrat Antony Hook said: “Reform are descending into deeper chaos every day.

“The people of Kent are being let down by an administration that has no idea what it’s doing and is breaking its promises on council tax.

“We learned in the leaked video that they have no respect for each other let alone respect for the public.”