Four councillors from Reform UK’s group on Kent County Council (KCC) have been suspended after a video was leaked showing heated exchanges in a virtual meeting — deepening concerns about low trust in Reform governance.
The party said that councillors Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett and Maxine Fothergill had the whip suspended “pending investigation” after evidence they “brought the party into disrepute”.
The leaked video from August shows council leader Linden Kemkaran telling dissenting councillors they would have to “suck it up” if they disagreed with decisions, and threatening to mute one member.
Why the fallout matters for Reform UK’s credibility
Kent is one of ten local authorities where Reform UK holds outright control — making KCC a de facto “flagship council” intended to demonstrate the party’s ability to govern.
The incident arrives just five months after Reform’s landslide win on the council in May 2025, when the party took 57 of the 81 seats, displacing the Conservatives.
With operations now in disarray — including committee meetings being delayed or cancelled amid the suspension shake-up — critics say residents may pay the price of internal infighting.
The video leak: what was captured
In the footage, Leader Linden Kemkaran acknowledges that she likes feedback and discussion, but adds: “when it comes to making the really big decisions… sometimes I will make a decision that might not be liked by everybody … you’re just going to have to f***ing suck it up”.
Councillor Thomas responded by asking whether the council had “the right leader and the right cabinet”. Kemkaran appeared irritated, later telling him she was supposed to be on holiday, and threatened to mute him. The atmosphere prompted gasps and laughter from other councillors.
Kemkaran described the leak as an act of “treachery” and launched an investigation to identify the source.
Implications for local governance and Reform’s national ambitions
With Kent’s budget at £2.5 billion and reforms underway including local government reorganisation (LGR) across the county’s 14 councils, the stakes are high for Reform’s ability to deliver.
The party’s internal rift raises the spectre that its promise of disciplined, efficient governance may instead look chaotic. Opposition figures have seized on the leak to argue that the party is ill-prepared for larger scale responsibilities.
What happens next
Reform UK has suspended the four councillors while investigations proceed. It is unclear how long the process will take or what the outcome may be.
Meanwhile KCC councillors are also reportedly gathering signatures for a potential vote of no confidence in Kemkaran — which could lead to her removal as council leader.
Residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether Reform can restore internal discipline and public trust—or whether the episode becomes a lasting blot on the party’s reputation.
