Reform UK Expels Five Kent County Councillors Amid Internal Turmoil

The political party Reform UK expelled five Kent County Councillors in late October 2025 following investigations into misconduct and internal disputes. Brian Black, Paul Thomas, and Oliver Bradshaw were removed for "dishonest and deceptive behaviour," while Bill Barrett and Robert Ford were expelled via email for undermining party interests and bringing the organization into disrepute.

Robert Ford's removal followed misconduct allegations from female Kent County Council staff. Bill Barrett had previously criticized the council hierarchy after a video leaked showing council leader Linden Kemkaran swearing at members and telling them to "f** suck it up" regarding major decisions. While Reform UK denied bullying allegations against the men, Liberal Democrat opposition leader Antony Hook criticized the party for "chaos" and "secrecy," demanding transparency regarding the specific reasons for the expulsions.

These removals have reduced Reform UK's presence at the council to fewer than 50 councillors. This marks a decline from the 57 seats the party won in May, a victory that had overturned a 30-year Conservative majority. Kemkaran had previously described the council as a "shop window" for the party's national ambitions.