Kent County Council seems to be in a state of chaos, following on from the election of a majority of Reform councillors. It is becoming clear that their inexperience, and their lack of expectation of taking power, is a real problem both to them and to the council officers who are waiting for a sense of direction.
It turns out that a set of prejudices and ill-informed opinions is no substitute for a knowledge of hard facts, like the costs of providing statutory services for which they are are collectively and individually responsible, such as Special Educational Needs, and looking after children in care. It’s no wonder they have been cancelling meetings left right and centre. Changing flags, and sending in a DOGE-style hit squad that finds there are no hidden costs to save; in fact no thing was hidden.
And it’s not just in Kent, but in many authorities where Reform has gained control. Turns out there’s a truth in the old saying, “FAILURE TO PREPARE IS PREPARING TO FAIL”. Their councillors, not surprisingly, are starting to resign rather than face the fact they can’t deliver what they promised.
Here’s a round-up of some of the media coverage:
However, despite promises of newfound efficiency, Reform already seems to be experiencing a severe case of dysfunction. As Byline Times first reported, all committee meetings scheduled for June were cancelled by the new administration, with some Reform members reportedly requesting that July meetings also be rearranged because they cannot attend those either. A Kent resident got in touch with Byline Times to share their thoughts: “The overwhelming sense I get since the Council elections is…. silence. We’ve heard nothing from our elected Councillor, we’ve seen very little in the press other than a few bits on Kent Online…and those articles you’ve published.
(Resignations, Cancelled Meetings and Culture Wars: How Reform UK Councils Are Descending Into Chaos Nigel Farage’s band of newly-elected councillors are already starting to struggle, reports Josiah Mortimer – Josiah Mortimer 16 June 2025)
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A newly-elected Reform UK councillor has been suspended, the BBC understands. Kent county councillor Daniel Taylor for Cliftonville, near Margate, will now sit as an independent. (Joshua Askew, BBC News, South East; Michael Keohan, BBC Kent, Political Reporter. Published 10 June 2025)
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A Week Is a Long Time in Kent Politics: Reform UK’s Chaotic Takeover of Kent County Council. In just the last five days:
- A “deep dive” exposed nothing new:
- Two top Reform figures resigned;
- A delay was requested for a reform that Reform had campaigned to accelerate;
- And the question of how – or whether – public trust in Kent politics can be rebuilt remains unanswered.
One thing’s clear: for Reform UK at Kent County Council, a week really is a long time in politics. (Posted on June 7, 2025 by