Reform UK’s new administration at Kent County Council has replaced its first cabinet member less than seven weeks into the job.
Cllr Bill Barrett, who represents the Ashford Rural South division, stepped down from his place at the top table where he was in charge of highways and transport.
A Reform UK spokesman insisted it was “an agreement” and that Cllr Barrett was not sacked.
An official statement from County Hall this afternoon said: “The Leader of Kent County Council (KCC) has announced a change to her Cabinet.
“Linden Kemkaran says Bill Barrett, who represents Ashford Rural South, made the decision to step down from his role as Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.
“He will be replaced by his deputy Peter Osborne, Member for Hythe West.”
KCC leader Cllr Linden Kemkaran said: “I have today made changes to my cabinet team to support me, and Kent County Council, to deliver the ambitious plans we have set out to improve this authority and the county of Kent.
“It’s still early days for the Reform administration at KCC, and reshuffling and fine-tuning my cabinet is something I have to do as leader, to ensure that I have the best possible team around the top table who can deliver on the promises we have made to Kent residents.
“Every member of my Cabinet took the role on the understanding that their position may be subject to changes.”
Chief whip Cllr Maxwell Harrison said KCC, as the highest profile Reform UK-run authority, is under intense scrutiny.
He added: “Bill wasn’t sacked. He agreed to leave – it was an agreement. Bill was doing a good job and there was no bad blood. He is a talented individual.
“But we have to make sure that we have the right people in the right places.”
Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition at KCC Antony Hook said: “The highways cabinet member is one of the most important roles at KCC. Our roads, public transport and footpaths need urgent attention.
“Bill Barrett was in post for just 45 days. This must be the shortest time anyone has ever held such a post at KCC.
“We need urgent action on big problems but Reform are giving us unexplained instability in the Cabinet.
“On Friday, Mr Barrett emailed KCC members about joining a cross-party walking and cycling working group, which would have been a good thing. He has left his post the next working day.
“I hope he has not been sacked because his party is generally hostile to cross-party working and walking and cycling.”
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