Kent Reform Councillors Criticised Over Political Staff Spending

Published: 21 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Kent County Council, a flagship authority under Reform UK, is facing widespread criticism for approving plans to spend tens of thousands of pounds on hiring political assistants, sparking debate over financial priorities and governance transparency. The controversy has reignited concerns about hypocrisy within the party, following similar allegations earlier this year in Warwickshire, where Reform councillors voted to spend £150,000 on advisers, some parachuted in by the national party to manage local council operations.

The decision in Kent emerged amid growing scrutiny of local government spending, as councils across the UK grapple with budget crises and rising demands for essential services. Reform UK councillors, who were elected on promises to cut waste and save money, faced public backlash after approving the appointment of political aides at a considerable cost.

A recently leaked recording of a Kent council meeting revealed councillors wearing turquoise Santa elf hats, as party leader Maxwell Harrison informed members that a former Reform director of campaigning and training at the national party headquarters had been appointed as a “political assistant.” The individual in question, Michael Hadwen, has previously attracted controversy for remarks on social media regarding sensitive topics, including immigration and international relations.

Hadwen’s past statements have drawn particular attention. In a 2018 tweet responding to Conservative politician Daniel Hannan, he supported Enoch Powell’s views on immigration, stating: “Enoch was right, he was just before the times.” In the same year, following the attempted assassination of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, Hadwen remarked, “Russia is not my enemy. We should be working with them, and not throwing around threats like a spoilt child,” highlighting his contentious public positions.

Despite these controversies, the council voted 45 in favour and 26 against to ratify the appointment. Reform UK maintains a majority in Kent County Council, although recent internal purges have removed dissenting members amid bitter factional disputes. Leaked footage shared with media outlets previously revealed heated arguments among councillors, with party leader Linden Kemkaran instructing members to “fucking suck it up,” reflecting ongoing tensions within the local authority.

Critics argue that the timing and nature of the appointments reflect poorly on Reform UK’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and local governance. Councillors in Kent face increasing pressure from opposition parties and constituents alike, who question the ethics of hiring political aides while public services and council budgets remain under strain. Local activists and residents have expressed concern that such expenditures undermine the party’s electoral promises and erode public trust.

Defenders within Reform UK argue that political assistants are necessary to support councillors in executing complex policy agendas and managing administrative workloads, particularly as councils navigate unprecedented financial pressures and public expectations. Supporters claim that the appointees bring expertise and organizational capacity, though opponents maintain that these roles serve partisan interests rather than the public good.

The Kent appointment also raises broader questions about national oversight and the influence of party headquarters on local governance. Critics note that the involvement of party-appointed aides from national offices blurs the line between independent local decision-making and top-down party control, a concern echoed in previous controversies involving Reform UK councils.

Political analysts have highlighted that the situation reflects challenges inherent in new political movements transitioning from campaign-focused organizations to governing bodies. The tension between maintaining party cohesion and responding to constituent needs can create conflicts over budget allocation, staff appointments, and transparency.

The episode in Kent comes at a time when the UK government is under pressure to scrutinize local authority spending amid rising inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and increased demand for public services. Local elections, internal party stability, and voter perception may all be influenced by the handling of these controversies.

Observers note that public reaction to the Kent council decision may affect Reform UK’s broader national standing, as voters scrutinize the alignment between campaign rhetoric and actual governance practices. The interplay between political loyalty, administrative necessity, and ethical responsibility continues to shape debates around the legitimacy of council expenditures on politically-affiliated staff.

As local media coverage intensifies, Kent councillors and Reform UK leaders are under mounting pressure to justify spending decisions, clarify roles and responsibilities of political assistants, and demonstrate commitment to transparency and accountability. The unfolding situation underscores the challenges faced by emergent political parties in balancing ideological commitments with pragmatic governance, while navigating the heightened scrutiny of a politically engaged electorate.

The controversy is likely to remain a focal point for local politics in Kent, shaping discussions around governance priorities, fiscal accountability, and the proper role of party-affiliated staff within publicly funded councils. How Reform UK addresses constituent concerns and reconciles internal party dynamics will play a critical role in determining the public’s confidence in its ability to govern responsibly.