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

Newly Qualified Social Workers - ASYE Programme

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 plus an additional £2,000 salary increas

Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Head of Service - Cared For/Care Leavers

Cheshire East Council
£76,261 - £88,631
With strong investment, renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose across our services. Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Head of Service - Practice, Workforce and Quality Assurance (Principal Social Worker)

Cheshire East Council
£76,261 - £88,631
With strong investment, renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose across our services. Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Head of Service - Integrated Front Door

Cheshire East Council
£76,261 - £88,631
With strong investment, renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose across our services. Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Debtors and Collection Officers

Durham County Council
£26,403 - 28,598 p.a. pro rata (Grade 5)
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and ever-changing revenues environment. You’ll have the chance to develop your skills, gain valuable Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner