Reform-controlled Kent County Council has voted to introduce the Lord's Prayer and the national anthem into its council meetings.
In total 48 members voted to open the local authority’s meetings with a prayer, while 46 voted in favour of closing them with the anthem.
Reform council leader Linden Kemkaran told the meeting the prayer ‘unites us in this country in a common identity, which is very important’, according to the BBC.
Green councillor Rob Yates reportedly described the changes as ‘a ridiculous farce’ and said he was ‘not paid by taxpayers to sing songs and pray’.
In a separate vote, the council approved changes reducing the time allocated for opposition leaders to respond to speeches at full council meetings from a combined 22 minutes to 17 minutes.
Rival parties criticised the decision, citing a lack of public consultation.
