Overview

• A party spokesperson said Cllrs Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett and Maxine Fothergill have had the whip suspended pending investigation for bringing the party into disrepute.
• The decision follows a leaked late‑August online meeting in which leader Linden Kemkaran berated colleagues and told dissenters to “f****** suck it up.”
• Kemkaran told councillors she has launched an investigation to identify the leaker and warned that anyone responsible would be expelled.
• After earlier suspensions and one defection to UKIP, Reform’s Kent group falls from 57 councillors elected in May to 50 holding the whip, with operational strain reported.
• The Guardian reports a committee tied to school transport has been cancelled due to the suspensions, and an anonymous source claims a no‑confidence vote in Kemkaran is being prepared for early November.