Additional reporting Local Democracy Reporter Simon Finlay
The Leader of Kent County Council has been informed today (February 5) that Kent and Medway have not been selected by the Government to be part of its Devolution Priority Programme.
On 9 January 2025, Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Members agreed to ask for Kent and Medway to be considered for inclusion in the Devolution Priority Programme, submitting a letter to Jim McMahon OBE, MP Minister for Local Government and Devolution, before the 10 January deadline.
However earlier today the Leaders of KCC and Medway Council were informed by Jim McMahon that the bid to be part of the DPP had not been successful.
The changes would have resulted in the abolition of all 14 authorities in the county to be replaced by a much smaller number of unitary authorities and an elected mayor.
Reacting to the news, KCC leader Roger Gough said: “I am astonished by this decision and bitterly disappointed that residents and businesses of Kent have been let down by the Government and will not be able to benefit from the increased monies, powers and opportunities promised through devolution.
“The reason we have been given is both confusing and insufficient and we will be seeking more detail from Ministers as to the rationale as soon as possible.
“ I strongly believe that key issues in Kent, such as economic growth, housing and transport, all vital for our residents, would have been improved by devolution, as well as bringing new powers and more funding to Kent and Medway, to boost jobs and skills, improve our infrastructure and transport.
“ We met all the criteria for devolution set out in the White Paper, and our initial expression of interest with Medway Council was supported by all 12 District and Borough Council Leaders in Kent. I am simply stunned that the Government has offered what I consider to be an incoherent argument as to why Kent has been turned down.
“ That Kent and Medway are authorities of differing sizes is neither new or unique. We have always made it clear that we stood ready and willing to work through a transitional phase that would culminate in the reorganisation of the county to address the imbalance.
“Not being part of this accelerated devolution programme is a missed opportunity and a huge blow to this authority and to Kent’s 1.9m residents, particularly given that Kent and Medway made it clear to Government that we would meet its ambitious timeline and work towards a mayoral election in 2026.
“ I am devastated and angry on behalf of the residents of Kent, but our devolution journey is far from over. My first priority is to ask Government to fully explain why Kent has been excluded at a time that other similar areas have not been, and how we can deliver the benefit of devolution to our residents and businesses. Their long-term future has always been our top priority in pursuing this.
Cllr Gough has instructed his back benchers the May elections “will proceed as normal”.
The Conservatives have been widely tipped to struggle to retain a majority and control of the authority, especially in the face of a strengthening Reform UK vote.
The news of the elections now being confirmed for May 1 has been welcomed by some at the authority.
Cllr Stuart Jeffery, Green Party leader of Maidstone Borough Council, who accepts some form of devolution is inevitable in Kent, said: “A victory for democracy. Kent’s Conservatives can no longer shape the future councils across Kent without a democratic mandate. Bring on the election.”
Liberal Democrat group leader at KCC Antony Hook said: “We welcome the news that local elections will go ahead in May. It is vital people get to choose who represents them.
“It was a disgrace that Conservative members of KCC asked the government to cancel the elections and that the government appeared to entertain this.
“Government needs to give sufficient funding to local government so we can meet the public’s needs when it comes to caring for the elderly, looking after vulnerable children and repairing our transport systems.
“Devolution of extra powers would be welcome to help get things done for local people. These should come to the elected local councils. Creating a mayor for Kent was unnecessary and would have been expensive.”
KCC’s only Reform UK member Thomas Mallon, who was elected to County Hall late last year, said: “We look forward to taking part in the democratic process. We will be fielding candidates all over Kent.
“I always said I was up for campaigning my newly-won seat, as that is democracy.
“Now the people can decide in Kent if they want true reform and a change of the old guard.”
Good. Let’s get the rest of Labour out!! They will pay for the winter fuel payment cancellation and many, many more issues that they have caused.
Business as usual then! : (
Oh well, gives me a chance to vote Green after Labour failed to keep their promise of improving bus services (and every other promises!).
Hardly a surprise in the Tory heartland. This is about centralised socialist politics. Trying to ensure the return of the Red Wall to Danelaw. Nothing more.
Elections as normal then? This should be interesting, especially for Liebour.
Trouble is, we already have a Tory KCC. If Reform were elected, we could be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire!
Brilliant news, people can have their say. I will be standing up for the people of margate independent of national politics and mps. If elected I will serve the residents of margate not the edicts of party bosses
Reform will field excellent candidates throughout Kent, including in Margate. Residents are disgusted with both Labour & Tories who colluded in trying to avoid an election.
Tory leader Roger Gough signed up for this Faustian pact with Labour to avoid a certain wipeout on May 1st but there’s no avoiding it now!
Only Reform truly represents the ‘man in the street’ and will deliver on promises made. Make your vote count! Vote Reform on May 1st! Vote for positive change!
What promises has Reform made? Other than fanciful ones like “Sovereignty” or mutually incompatible ones like “reducing hospital waiting lists” and “reducing taxes”.
All Reform UK’s policies are detailed on their website:
https://reformparty.org
Do they. Does the “man in the street” want to see the NHS dismantled and US drug prices and US health care prices ( average £20k pa for a family of 4) – and even less public services than now ! I doubt it Don’t fall for the hype. Nigel loves Donald – and that’s the hard right low tax and reduced services model ! Sadly we all want high levels of service and lower taxes- you can’t square that circle!
Well said Barry! I am considering selling up and moving to your Ward to vote for you! All the best, keep up the good work and stay a thorn in the side of the hypocrites!
I’d also vote for an independent in my ward if I thought they were any good (and I’ve no doubt that Barry is). I’m only voting Green out of desperation!
Yep-you sure as hell aren;t getting anything different voting Labour, Tory or Reform-all rich Tories looking to take from the poor to give to the rich.
It is either Liberal Democrats or Green & not sure about the Liberals in this era-but they are the only ones come next general election who can actually win, that might not go after the worst off in society, while giving tax breaks etc to the richest.
It’s the insisting we rejoin the EU bit that puts me off Lib-Dem. Even if they’re right economically, we don’t need to go down that nest of vipers again, with all the divisions that it caused!
The only party welcoming this is Reform. Labour will get totally wiped out in Kent within a year of getting a national landslide, the Tories will get a battering and Reform will make some big gains. Enough to take control ? Possibly not but enough to become a sizeable opposition party and a return to three party politics.
Serves the Tories right for getting into bed with Labour in an attempt to cancel the election & deprive us of our democratic vote.
No wonder Tory KCC Leader Roger Gough is angry & upset for he knows the Tories will take a hammering on 1st May & will face an influx of newly elected Reform councillors. Bring it on!
The smug Tories will discover the hard way that ‘a new broom sweeps clean’ & that a Reform majority-led council will deliver for Kent residents.
Anyone tempted to vote for the now-defunct Tories should remember self-interested TORIES TRIED TO CANCEL YOUR DEMOCRATIC VOTE!
Vote for progress, Vote for Reform!
What are Reform’s policies on improving and funding public transport? And do they propose to improve cycle paths (proper segregated ones like in other countries – away from other traffic and pedestrians) and public footpaths?
All Reform UK’s policies are detailed on their website:
https://reformparty.org
Can’t see anything on buses and cycling there.
Thanet once had Reform’s predecessors (UKIP) at the helm.
It was utter chaos.
Reform has no real policies.
Reform will offer intangible things like “Sovereignty” and making Britain “Great” again.
But actual policies?
Dream on.
What are Labour’s policies on improving and funding public transport? And do they propose to improve cycle paths (proper segregated ones like in other countries – away from other traffic and pedestrians) and public footpaths?
Oh. And send back the boats.
Yes, Who needs cycle lanes when there is little land left to build them on for the relatively few Lycra louts that use them. Stop the boats, stop any more immigration of any genre which is vastly more important. Reduce the need for more and more housing being built on Thanet’s farm land. Only Reform pledge to tackle this massive problem
Next to useless cycle lanes can wait.
Have you been to Holland or Belgium lately? There, whole families – including young kids and pensioners – all go out cycling together, generally with no safety helmets as it is as safe as walking there. We need to get out of the mindset of treating cycling as a specialist hobby for the very brave, and make it accessable to everyone.
Getting people fitter and healthier is far, far more important to me than immigration… which is why I’m voting Green, as it is more their priority too.
And just how will Rform “stop thr boats”?
Under both Tory and Labour administrations, despite draconian strategies involving deportation to Rwanda, immigration numbers increased.
I’m curious to know how Reform will deal with the situation.
Probaly the same way Labour will “smash the gangs” or whatever they’re claiming now – not very successfully.
Stop worrying so much about immigration, and get back to your real pet topic.
Vote Green!
Peter, have you seen the mess the Greens made of Brighton when they were in control?
They have great bus services though!
Farage has already made it clear he has no intention on tackling migration-he even wants Begum back, because Tango Man’s terrorism goon said he wants countries to take the likes of her back or else-a day later after for years saying she should stay put suddenly wants her back.
The man himself of course has imported multiple foreigners as wives/partners, from all over the EU he professes to hate so much (despite screwing every penny he could out of it while an MEP for decades & not representing our interests) & given them jobs working for him. ALos taook out a German passport the day after the Brexit vote backfired on his grift-what a patriot!
“Farage has already made it clear he has no intention on tackling migration…”
From the BBC
“On 19 September, Nigel Farage told BBC Radio Kent that part of Reform’s plan for migrants crossing the Channel in small boats would be to “take them back to France”.
Yes Andrew & as usual like his cheeto faced pal in the US it is all hot air, populist nonsense. You can say whatever rubbish you like as a politician-as Farage always has, but if it isn’t reality, then it isn’t a workable policy.
That would break international law & when pressed on it Tice etc just says it would be legal, without explaining how or showing proof of that. I trust maritime experts & lawmakers over what the likes of Farage & Tice spout out in the hope of votes.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), external and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention), external, states are allowed to pick people up from boats if they are “found at sea in danger of being lost”.
But these laws do not allow them to be taken to another state without that country agreeing.
In fact, Article 19 of UNCLOS says that if a “foreign ship” enters another country’s territorial waters it will “be considered to be prejudicial to the peace” if “it engages in the loading or unloading of any… person contrary to the immigration laws” of that country.
BBC Verify spoke to two experts in maritime law.
James M. Turner KC, a shipping lawyer at Quadrant Chambers, told us: “The French would have to grant express permission for UK vessels to carry rescued people through their territorial waters and to leave them ashore in France”.
Ainhoa Campàs Velasco, a maritime law expert from the University of Southampton, said migrants could not be returned to French shores, “unilaterally, and without prior agreement with France”. There is no such agreement between the UK and France.
The only time a British vessel has taken migrants to Calais was when they were called in by the French to assist & they were in French waters, not British.
What utter garbage! You are talking out of your rectumMr. News Anchor. Laughable, delusional.
Not at all, all facts.
You are wrong! Reform UK is nothing like Ukip! Reform is a highly professional mainstream party preparing to govern after the next General Election. Zia Yusuf’S appointment as Chairman has guaranteed this!
What has Farage done for the people of Clacton since he was elected? My guess is even less than Billington has done for East Thanet.
Reform isn’t a political party. It’s a private company run by Nigel Farage.
Instead of just criticising other people’s choices, why not tell us who you’re voting for – and why?
You are the idiot that keeps giving.
Please do your research before opening gob.
Hilarious stuff Broadstairs resident, it is just another grift by Farage. It isn’t a political party, it is a limited company. Totally undemocratic & run like a banana republic by Farage-the reason Ben Habib resigned, as did a load of Reform councillors recently.
Zia Yusuf-oh yeah, the guy that gave Farage loads of dosh & suddenly was elected chariman. Funny how that works isn’t it?
You need to check your facts before spouting nonsense. Reform is not a limited company! It used to be so, but the structure of the party changed when Zia Yusuf was appointed as Chairman. It is now democratic and highly professional.
Like it or not there’s a turquoise wave heading your way on 1st May 25!
Check the party structure on: https://reformparty.org
kingsgate, I prefer to check Companies House-where it is still listed as a limited company. Indeed-the name is Reform UK Party Limited.
For some reason you have linked to the US Reform Party set up by Ross Perot in the mid 1990’s, instead of the UK one-if you go to the UK one & click on contact & scroll down you will see at the bottom they list themselves as a limited company-so not sure where you are getting your information from.
I could care less what comes my way in May-Tories/Labour/Reform are all the same-corrupt, only interested in robbing the worst off to give to the wealthiest & incompetent & Liberals are probably the same-their leader is on the take as well.
I suggest that you get on one of Elon’s space wotsits and get yourself away from this hallowed planet. There’s obviously no hope here.
Bye bye Liebour.
Dig out the Wansum and declare an independent Thanet.
Sorry River Wansum.
Thanet can be twinned with Sheppey. They’re remarkably similar (apart from far more countryside on Sheppey).
Good, at least a tiny piece of democracy remians under this lot. Can’t wait to vote against them-regardless of if whether they remain in power or not-maybe we can get a no overall control, such is the apathy for politicians & lack of faith/trust in them generally nowadays.
I give up.I have no idea why HMG are doing this, apart from the expression ‘the gods first turn mad all those they wish to destroy ‘.I hope reform do take control and we shall see how they will balance the budget.Good luck with that one.
Please PC stop banging on about buses.KCC were given £23.5m, so get them to spend it. They still haven’t spent the rest of the BSIP cash either.
I do hope those wanting change get their just deserts.
Labour lied. Get over it.
Of course, Labour lied! KCC Leader Roger Gough has ended up with egg on his face! Serves him right for trying to do the dirty on Kent residents by depriving us of our democratic vote! Just so that out-of-touch, self-interested Tories could cling on to power & feather their nests! Disgraceful!
Fear not, the future is turquoise! Reform is on the way to clear out the Tories & bring much needed change!
“George” will never stop defending Labour. Like a lot of old people, he’s too set in his ways.
Hold the front page! Incoming administration find that they can’t do what they thought was possible on day 1,and start to trim back on expectations.
A lie on the other hand is a deliberate falsehood,knowingly made to misinform and deceive.
Labour are guilty in the first part and not guilty on the second,for all the screams from the usual old duffers to the contrary.
Of course I can get over it.
For a real 100% made in Britain full throated campaign of misinformation,I offer what went in 2016 as evidence.
I can guess why Rayner has thrown Kent under a bus(if one is running),but that is mere speculation.
So she has listened to those voices wanting an election,and may you have joy of it.
Will reform run more buses? Will they solve the adult social care crisis? Will they restore sure start in Thanet?
Or will they instead, blame migrants for all and any failings over the next 4 years? You be the judge.
They lied about reforming bus services – and instead did the opposite, by increasing fares by 50%, making less people want to use them. The Tories stated in their manifesto that the fares cap would remain the same. So voting Labour made them WORSE, not better.
As for you blaming Tory-run KCC, can you name ONE Labour-run County Council that has improved their bus services since Labour came to government? I asked this question to a couple of local Labour cllrs on facebook, but they didn’t reply – perhaps you’ll be more honest.
I’ll be voting for Labour. They are so gloriously optimistic!
I don’t think “optimistic” would be a word I’d use for Starmer. He has the charisma and presentation of an undertaker!
I like Long-Bailey though, even if she does sound like a drink.
I’ll be voting Green.
Cant understand why Tory Surrey got it but Kent didnt.
No point voting green be no green spaces left under labour
Both Labour & Tories are running scared! They know Reform will sweep the board at the KCC election on May 1st!