By Eniola Amadu
Four councillors have been suspended by the Reform UK for putting “party disrepute” following the leak of a heated virtual council meeting video clip.
The suspension comes after The Guardian obtained the leaked clip of Kent County Council (KCC) leader Linden Kemkaran using foul language and telling party members to “suck it up” in response to her decisions.
The councillors serve on Kent County Council (KCC), one of ten local authorities led by Reform UK and regarded as a test of the party’s governing capability.
A party spokesperson revealed Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barret and Maxine Fothergrill have been suspended from the party whip pending an investigation due to “evidence” the councillors “brought the party into disrepute”
In the leaked recording, Councillor Kemkaran is heard raising her voice at Councillor Thomas during a discussion on council tax and local government reorganisation.
Under government proposals, Kent’s 14 councils are expected to be dissolved and replaced by three or four larger unitary authorities.
In the clip, Ms Kemkaran can be heard telling colleagues: “I am not a dictator or an autocrat. I like feedback. I like to discuss.
“However, when it comes to making the really big decisions — and LGR [local government reorganisation] is one of those — sometimes I will make a decision that might not be liked by everyone in the group.”
She then used an expletive while telling them to “suck it up,” prompting one councillor to gasp in shock before breaking into laughter.
An independent MP for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield stated that Reform looks “chaotic” and “unprofessional” adding that the council leader should “seriously” consider resigning.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said she could face a vote of no confidence in weeks to come over the leaked video cllip.
It further stated that an anonymous backbencher had already started seeking the necessary number of signatures to drive at a potential dismissal.
Opposition leader of the KCC however said Ms Kemkaran is “unfit to lead” and her position is “untenable”.
Meanwhile, Ms Kemkaran had earlier described those responsible for the leak as “weak” and “foolish” for committing an act of “treachery,” adding that a “thorough investigation” was underway.
