Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has taken action by suspending four councillors today due to actions deemed damaging to the party’s reputation. The decision follows the leak of a Zoom video showcasing a tumultuous internal meeting within the Kent council, where members were reportedly instructed to “f****** suck it up.”
The leaked recording from the August meeting revealed significant discord within Reform’s key council, which serves as a showcase for a potential Reform UK government at Westminster. Linden Kemkaran, the council leader, emphasized her leadership style, stating, “I am not a dictator or an autocrat. I value feedback and discussions, but when it comes to crucial decisions like local government reorganization, tough choices might need to be made.”
The contentious meeting has drawn comparisons to the viral Handforth Parish Council session during the pandemic, which propelled Jackie Weaver to fame. In response to the incident, Reform UK has suspended four Kent councillors, including Paul Thomas, whom Ms. Kemkaren threatened to silence during the meeting. Thomas raised concerns about the leadership within Kent.
A party spokesperson announced the suspension, stating that councillors Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett, and Maxine Fothergill have had their membership privileges revoked pending an investigation for actions that tarnished the party’s image. Ms. Kemkaran assured her councillors of a thorough probe into the leaked video, condemning the perpetrators as “cowards” and “foolish individuals seeking personal gain at the expense of collective success.”
Reform UK gained control of Kent County Council by securing 57 out of 81 seats in the May local elections, overturning a 30-year Tory dominance. Criticism from a Labour representative highlighted the chaos within Reform UK, emphasizing the party’s inability to manage effectively and deliver on its promises. The Labour MP for Ashford, Hawkinge, and the Villages labeled the situation as a “shambles,” expressing disappointment on behalf of constituents and questioning the credibility of Reform UK as a serious political entity.