“We will simply put the people of Kent at the heart of everything we do” - Leader’s first speech at County Hall

The Leader and her party formally took the reins of the council at the first full council meeting since the election at County Hall today.

Reform UK secured a convincing majority in the County Council elections on May 1,  claiming 57 of the Council’s 81 seats, with the Liberal Democrats now the largest  opposition group with 12 seats, the Conservatives with 5, the Green Party with 5 and Labour with 2.

In her first Leader’s report to Members, Linden Kemkaran said: “What an honour it is to be standing here in this Chamber, not only as an elected official, but as Leader of this Council.

“Being elected to any public role is a privilege and I’m focused on setting the course of this Council over the next few years.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Members for putting their trust in me to lead all of us forward in what can only be described as rather uncertain waters.”

Linden Kemkaran told Members that her first priorities include finding new solutions to reduce disruption on Kent’s roads, putting pressure on Government to ‘come good on its promises’ to adequately fund social care, and improving education and skills for the county’s young people.

The new Leader also referred to the ‘the spectre of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) hurtling down the tracks at a quite incredible speed,’ saying: “I’m not entirely convinced it’s the right thing for Kent. I will be making it my priority to find out as much as I can over the coming weeks and months to help formulate our response to LGR.”

Linden Kemkaran announced that she will be supporting the initiative to ban smartphones from schools, examining all Net Zero initiatives to see if they offer residents tangible benefits, and creating a Cabinet post for Local Government Efficiency who will look at "every single thing we do as a council."

She also revealed that Reform Members have agreed to support a motion to cut all councillor allowances by 5%. This will generate a saving of over one hundred thousand pounds which will be redirected into Member Community Grant Funding which is used to support community organisations or projects which benefit Kent residents.

Following the annual meeting the Leader announced her Cabinet.

The Deputy Leader is Brian Collins, who represents Ashford Rural East division.

The Cabinet Members are:

• Adult Social Care: Diane Morton (Gravesham Rural)
• Environment: David Wimble (Romney Marsh)
• Integrated Children's Services: Christine Palmer (Swale)
• Community/Regulatory: Paul Webb (Sittingbourne South)
• Education & Skills: Beverley Fordham (Dartford West)
• Highways & Transport: Bill Barrett (Ashford Rural South)
• Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE): Matthew Fraser Moat (Northfleet & Gravesend West)
• Economic Development & Coastal Regeneration: Paul King (Dover West)

A Leader can choose the titles and scope of Cabinet posts, some of which have changed since the previous Conservative administration.

KCC Chairman for 2025/26 is Richard Palmer, who was today passed the chain of office from the outgoing Chairman, Bryan Sweetland.

On taking over the role, Mr Palmer said: "I am incredibly proud to take on the role of Chairman of Kent County Council and it is a huge privilege to serve the residents of Kent in this way.

“I am looking forward to meeting and supporting as many people as I can in the year ahead and, most importantly, being able to raise the profile, along with much needed financial support, for my chosen charities.”

Every year KCC’s Chairman is asked to choose Kent charities they would like to champion during their term. Mr Palmer has chosen The Young Lives Foundation, which supports young people to thrive through times of challenge and be happy. He has also chosen SATEDA, a domestic abuse charity supporting women and children across Kent.

The Chairman of KCC is a non-political, civic role that represents the council and Kent at various events, including official functions, and also chairs meetings of the full council to ensure they are conducted in line with the Constitution.

Peter Evans, Member for Sandwich, was appointed as Vice-Chairman.