The head of Reform UK’s leading local authority has informed fellow council members that she is searching for those responsible for leaking a recorded discussion in which she stated that dissenters would have to "fucking suck it up."
Tensions within Reform’s Kent county council, one of 10 under the party's control, were exposed after a video of a contentious internal meeting was shared with CuriosityNews.
In the footage, council members are heard criticizing persistent infighting and feeling sidelined by their leader, Linden Kemkaran, who warns they would face repercussions and undermine Reform’s general election prospects if Kent’s budget is not stabilized.
The recording, revealing internal party dynamics, captures Kemkaran dismissing colleagues before threatening to mute them—reminiscent of the widely circulated "Jackie Weaver" parish council clip from 2021.
Following the release of the video, Kemkaran sent a message to fellow council members announcing an inquiry into the leak, adding that she had shared her suspicions regarding those behind "this betrayal" with the party’s central office.
"To have individuals among us, who pretend camaraderie only to betray us, is deeply disappointing," she wrote.
"Those responsible are cowards. They lack strength and judgment. Unable to act with integrity, they instead target those who do. Their self-interest undermines collective progress.
"They cannot handle their own shortcomings, so they try to drag others down."
She continued, "A full investigation is underway, and those found guilty will be immediately removed from Reform. Their political careers will be over."
However, Kemkaran faced scrutiny on Sunday over remarks in the August meeting, where she claimed other Kent council leaders disliked her because of her gender.
In response, Medway council’s leader stated he would seek clarification, rejecting her claims as baseless.
"To imply my criticism is because she is a woman is absurd," said Vince Maple, Medway’s Labour leader. He emphasized that Kent councils have collaborated effectively on local government reforms, contradicting her assertions.
In the leaked video, Kemkaran criticized fellow Kent leaders for what she called a lack of understanding of reform proposals and suggested gender bias influenced their attitude toward her.
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