Kent, UK – October 19, 2025 – Four councillors from Reform UK have been suspended following the leak of a video showing Kent County Council (KCC) leader Linden Kemkaran berating party colleagues during an internal online meeting. The footage, which has been widely shared, has thrown Reform’s flagship council into turmoil and prompted sharp criticism from opposition parties.
What Happened
The video, obtained by The Guardian, shows Cllr Linden Kemkaran, head of Kent County Council, using expletive-laden language toward her fellow councillors, telling them to “f**ing suck it up*” if they disagreed with party decisions. She also warned dissenters that they would be “screwed” and risk jeopardizing Reform’s ability to win a general election if Kent’s budget wasn’t balanced.
The meeting reportedly turned chaotic, with Cllr Kemkaran threatening to mute members who questioned her leadership—prompting comparisons to the viral “Jackie Weaver” parish council Zoom meeting during the pandemic. She reminded colleagues that Kent was Reform’s “shop window” and that party leader Nigel Farage was “super aware” of its symbolic importance as the country’s first major council under Reform control.
Following the incident, Reform UK suspended four councillors—Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett, and Maxine Fothergill—pending investigation, citing that they had brought the party “into disrepute.”
Background and Political Fallout
Reform UK seized control of Kent County Council in May’s local elections, winning 57 of 81 seats and ending a 30-year Conservative majority. The victory was hailed by Nigel Farage as proof that Reform could govern effectively. However, the leaked video has exposed deep divisions within the party’s ranks.
In the recording, Cllr Kemkaran emphasized the need to balance the council’s £2.5 billion budget, warning that failing to do so would harm Reform’s national credibility. Despite promising to cut wasteful spending and reduce council tax, Reform’s Kent administration has signaled plans to raise tax rates next year, citing fiscal pressures.
The row comes amid reports of growing discontent between Reform backbenchers and senior cabinet members over spending priorities and leadership style.
Opposition Parties React
Opposition parties have been quick to respond to the controversy.
A Labour spokesperson said the video demonstrated that a Nigel Farage-led government would be “complete chaos.”
“Reform’s leader in Kent said their councils were ‘the biggest advert’ for what a Nigel Farage government would look like. Well, now we know — complete chaos.
Members of their flagship council are fighting like rats in a sack. Reform is in meltdown, and it’s local residents who will pay the price.”
The Liberal Democrats also mocked the situation, comparing the meeting to a reality TV show:
“Reform’s meetings are starting to sound more like an episode of The Traitors than the running of a major council,” said a party spokesperson. “All that’s missing is Claudia Winkleman asking who they’re going to banish next.”
They further criticized Reform for breaking campaign promises to lower council tax, accusing the party of “incompetence and infighting.”
What Happens Next
Reform UK has confirmed that the four councillors remain suspended pending investigation, while Cllr Kemkaran continues to lead the council. The party has not commented further on whether disciplinary action will be taken against her.
The fallout has raised questions about Reform’s internal discipline and its ability to manage large-scale local governments—particularly as the party eyes further electoral gains ahead of the next UK general election.
Meanwhile, Kent residents are left wondering how the ongoing political infighting will affect local services, budgets, and the council’s long-term governance.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
