Kent Council Reform Faces Criticism Over Spending on Political Assistants
Reform UK gained control of Kent County Council in the May local elections, overturning a 30-year Conservative majority. Shortly after, the council approved spending on political assistants, allowing for up to three staff members with salaries up to £49,282 each, excluding National Insurance and pension costs.
The motion passed with 45 votes in favour and 26 against. Michael Hadwen, a former Reform director of campaigning and training, was named by council leader Maxwell Harrison as the political assistant hired. However, Hadwen has attracted controversy for posting material supporting Enoch Powell's immigration views and making a 2018 remark about Russia.
Liberal Democrat councillor Antony Hook criticised the decision, describing it as public money used for a political apparatchik. He also highlighted that Kent County Council is forecast to face an overspend of about £46 million.
Reform UK defended the appointment by citing a clause from the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, arguing the role is cost-neutral and noting similar budgets exist elsewhere. The council's budget was described as large—double that of the Treasury, which employs eight advisers, and larger than the Department for Business and Trade, which employs four advisers.
Leaked footage revealed internal tensions among Reform councillors and their leader addressing the group. Similar criticism has been raised about Warwickshire Reform councillors voting to spend about £150,000 on advisers, prompting allegations of hypocrisy in the party's actions.
