Overview
- Conservative council leader Jeremy Kite confirmed the switch and said Buchan, who represents Stone House ward, will sit with the ruling group.
- Buchan said Reform lacks the experience and ambition to serve his community and relies on rhetoric rather than practical action.
- He argued the plan to remove indefinite leave to remain creates fear and could harm lawful non‑EU residents who have built lives in the UK.
- Reform UK called the move disappointing and accused him of betraying voters, and a party source urged him to resign the seat.
- Reform highlighted claimed gains of 112 councillors nationwide since May, while Labour MP Jim Dickson said the episode shows the party in Kent is falling apart.