Five Reform UK Kent Councillors Expelled Amid Leadership Disputes

Reform UK has expelled five county councillors, including Bill Barrett, Robert Ford, Brian Black, Paul Thomas, and Oliver Bradshaw, citing a pattern of dishonest and deceptive behavior and actions that brought the party into disrepute. The expulsions followed a leaked video showing the Reform UK leader of Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaran, swearing and raising her voice during a private meeting, which led to internal conflicts and accusations of toxic leadership within the party. Barrett and Ford, who criticized the party’s leadership, were expelled by email and denied leaking the video, while the others were dismissed after meetings with Reform UK officials. Separately, Grantham councillor Mark Whittington resigned from Reform UK after just 20 days, citing personal reasons related to health issues, and now sits as an independent on South Kesteven District Council. Whittington, a former Conservative who had switched to Reform UK, is recovering from a mini-stroke and bleed on the brain. The party has seen several short-lived memberships and defections, reflecting ongoing instability within its ranks at the local government level.