Reform civil war explodes as councillor banned for 'erotic novel' vows legal action

A former Reform councillor has announced he is considering legal action against the party for defamation of his character following his removal. Kent councillor Robert Ford was removed from Reform UK following unofficial complaints from female members of staff.

He said today: "I'm currently taking legal advice regarding the defamation of my character by Reform UK at Kent County Council that occurred on October 13, and I intend in the coming months to pursue this with vigour." Mr Ford claims the complaints relate to an "erotic novel" he had published, which he had mentioned to people at the authority.

No further information on the nature of the complaints has been forthcoming from Reform UK.

Most recently, councillor Isabella Kemp, who represents Sheppey on KCC, was suspended from the party ahead of a council meeting on Thursday.

Ms Kemp is the latest in a string of suspensions since a video showing Kent County Council's Reform leader Linden Kemkaran shouting and swearing at members was leaked to The Guardian.

In that video, Ms Kemkaran told members to "f****** suck it up" if they disagreed with her on big decisions like the direction of local government reorganisation.

It has been reported by the BBC that Ms Kemp is also considering legal action against Reform UK.

Reform UK won 57 of the 81 seats at Kent County Council to take control of the authority in May, overturning a 30-year Conservative majority.

There are now 48 Reform councillors, with nine members having been either suspended or removed since then.

In a speech in the council chamber on Thursday, Ms Kemkaran drew parallels between her party and her son's army training - and suggested councillors who had been expelled "couldn't hack it".

"Some had quit because they couldn't hack it, others have been thrown out for bad behaviour, because they weren't good enough or they weren't team players - not up to the challenge or were simply unable or unwilling to accept discipline," she said.

"Believe me, we are much stronger and we are totally battle fit."

Leader of the opposition, Liberal Democrat Antony Hook, implied the Reform administration had made Kent County Council a "punchline" on Have I Got News For You.

"I'm told that people are literally placing bets on whether the administration will last until Christmas or Easter," he said.

Conservative group leader Harry Rayner said KCC had been made a "laughing stock" by the current administration.