Overview
- Reform UK removed the whip from Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett and Maxine Fothergill pending an inquiry, saying evidence showed they brought the party into disrepute.
- Linden Kemkaran said she has launched a thorough investigation into the late‑August recording and passed her suspicions to party headquarters, warning those responsible face expulsion.
- An internal source contended the removals were made with no firm evidence and said a no‑confidence vote in Kemkaran is being prepared for early November.
- Opposition figures said the turmoil has already affected services, citing the cancellation of a committee dealing with school transport this week.
- The suspensions reduce Reform’s Kent group with the whip to 50 from 57 elected in May, as the council faces budget pressures and a 28 November deadline for local government reorganisation plans.