The political turmoil gripping Reform UK takeover of Kent County Council has escalated into a full-blown revolt among councillors — marking a dramatic chapter in British local government history. What was once positioned as a showcase for Reform UK’s governance capability has instead become synonymous with internal division, expulsions, defections and governance challenges that threaten service delivery and public confidence.
At the heart of the storm lies a fracturing political group. Councillors elected under the Reform UK banner are publicly rebelling against leadership decisions, leaving the party’s ranks depleted and raising questions about its future in local politics and beyond.
🧨 A ‘Flagship’ Unravelling
In the May 2025 Kent County Council election, Reform UK won 57 of 81 seats, ending a three-decade Conservative majority and launching the party into its most significant power position to date at a local level.
However, the honeymoon period was short-lived.
By late 2025, multiple councillors had been suspended, expelled, or defected, drastically reducing the party’s working majority.
The reasons have ranged from accusations of “dishonest and deceptive behaviour” to internal disputes over leadership style and policy direction — including tension over leadership decisions captured in leaked videos showing heated exchanges behind closed doors.
🎥 Leaked Footage and Leadership Fallout
A pivotal moment in the revolt was when video footage emerged showing council leader Linden Kemkaran publicly berating fellow Reform councillors in a closed online meeting. She was heard telling her colleagues to “fucking suck it up” when questioned about decisions and was seen threatening to mute dissenting voices.
The viral nature of the footage sparked criticism both inside and outside the council chamber. Opponents branded the situation chaotic, and some local media commentators compared the spectacle to infamous council drama such as the viral “Jackie Weaver” clash.
Shortly after the leak, several councillors were suspended pending investigation, with others later being expelled from the party.
🔄 Internal Revolt — Loss of Councillors
Over just six months, Reform UK lost at least nine councillors from its Kent group due to suspensions, dismissals and defections.
This has had significant consequences:
The council majority shrank from a solid 57 seats to around 48 due to departures.
Some councillors left Reform UK to join other parties, such as Restore Britain, forming a new group within the council.
At least one councillor defected to the Conservative Party, citing discomfort and disagreement with the local Reform agenda.
These shifts have severely impacted Reform UK’s control and unity in Kent, marking a significant political split rarely seen so soon after a major election victory.
🧾 ‘Casino Budget’ and Financial Risk
Amidst internal struggles, the council pushed through its first budget under Reform’s leadership in early February 2026. The plan included a 3.99% council tax rise, just below the threshold requiring a public referendum — a reversal of pre-election pledges not to increase taxes.
Opposition councillors and critics labelled it a “casino budget”, warning that the authority’s financial risk had ballooned to over £411 million — up by 60% on the previous year — and cuts to essential services were deeply concerning.
Reform leadership defended the budget as prudent, emphasizing tight fiscal management. But detractors argue that it has been rushed and poorly communicated, further undermining confidence in the council’s strategy.
🚑 Public Safety Concerns
The effects of councillor suspensions and internal dysfunction have extended beyond political point-scoring.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warned that the chaos, including suspensions of key figures within the Kent and Medway Fire Authority, had left critical public safety governance in ‘disarray’.
The union’s comments illustrated the wider implications of the revolt: when essential services face leadership gaps and uncertainty, the risk to residents increases — particularly in areas that depend on coordinated emergency responses.
🧩 Leadership Style and Internal Tensions
The complaints against Reform UK’s leadership in Kent aren’t merely procedural. They highlight deeper culture clashes and internal tensions regarding how decisions are made and how councillors are treated.
According to local reports, disputes range from policy disagreements to leadership style — with some councillors feeling excluded from key decision-making processes.
The leaked video itself became symbolic of much wider issues — confrontational leadership, lack of consensus-building, and a party still grappling with governing responsibilities at scale.
🔄 New Political Alignments
The consequences of the revolt haven’t just been internal. They have also reshaped local political alignments:
Restore Britain, led by a former Reform UK MP, has attracted several ex-Reform councillors, creating a new official group at Kent County Council and further diluting Reform UK’s grip.
Liberal Democrats and other opposition parties have criticised Reform’s infighting, using it to bolster their own local appeal.
This fragmentation illustrates how quickly internal disputes can lead to new political dynamics, particularly at the local level where alliances are fluid and trust can be fragile.
📊 What This Means for Local Voters
For residents of Kent and observers of UK politics, the fallout holds important lessons:
⚠️ 1. Governance Stability Matters
Consistent leadership is vital for planning, budgeting, and service delivery — especially in councils with millions of pounds in annual budgets and responsibilities ranging from social care to infrastructure.
🤝 2. Local Politics Is More Than Headlines
While viral moments like leaked videos grab attention, the long-term impact lies in how councillors engage with each other and with their constituents to deliver tangible results.
📉 3. Public Confidence Can Decline Quickly
Promised reforms and efficiencies can lose their appeal if overshadowed by infighting and leadership disputes. Voters may begin to see local government as dysfunctional rather than service-oriented.
❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why have Kent councillors revolted against Reform UK leadership?
The revolt stems from disagreements over leadership decisions, internal communication breakdowns and dissatisfaction with how dissenting councillors are managed, highlighted by leaked footage of a fractious meeting.
How many councillors has Reform UK lost in Kent?
Reform’s ranks in Kent dropped from 57 to about 48 councillors due to expulsions, suspensions and defections within six months of their election victory.
What impact has this turmoil had on council operations?
The discord has affected key committees, including the Fire Authority, prompting warnings that public safety could be compromised and reducing overall operational stability.
Has the council’s budget been affected?
Yes. The first budget under Reform included a tax rise and significant financial risk, prompting sharp criticism and questions about long-term fiscal strategy.
What new political groups have emerged because of the split?
Several ex-Reform councillors have joined the newly formed Restore Britain party, creating a new faction within the council and reducing Reform UK’s dominance.
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