William Eichler 20 October 2025

‘Suck it up’: Leaked video leads to Reform UK suspensions

‘Suck it up’: Leaked video leads to Reform UK suspensions image
© Antiquary / Shutterstock.com.

Reform UK has suspended four councillors following the leak of a video from a virtual Kent County Council meeting.

The footage, obtained by The Guardian over the weekend, shows council leader Linden Kemkaran telling party members to ‘f***ing suck it up,’ during a discussion marked by tensions over local government reorganisation and budget balancing.

A party spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barret, and Maxine Fothergrill have had the party whip suspended while an internal investigation takes place.

The spokesperson said the suspensions were based on ‘evidence’ that the councillors had ‘brought the party into disrepute.’

To learn more about Reform UK, check out: Reform UK: What Britain’s fastest rising party stands for and Reform UK’s ‘Doge’ witch-hunts will achieve little.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Boroughbridge, York
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Assistant Director Strategy & Community Regeneration

Newcastle City Council
£100,592 - £106,591 per annum
Newcastle is a city fast gaining a reputation for its innovation and progress. Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Recuriter: Newcastle City Council

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner