Council leader reshuffles cabinet team

The Reform UK leader of Kent County Council has announced a cabinet reshuffle

The Reform UK leader of Kent County Council has announced a cabinet reshuffle. Cllr Linden Kemkaran’s changes sees new faces joining as deputy cabinet members and the departure of Paul King, who leaves the environment portfolio.

Opposition members dismissed the new-look cabinet as evidence of “more chaos” within the administration. Cllr Paul Webb has been moved from cabinet member for Community and Regulatory Services to Integrated Children’s Services replacing Chris Palmer who moves into a new role as deputy cabinet member for adult social care (ASC).

While technically a demotion for Cllr Palmer, one County Hall source suggested her experience may be useful to concentrate solely on ASC which will face huge financial pressures in the months ahead. Cllr Georgia Foster has stepped up to the role of cabinet member for Communities and Regulatory Services from her previous deputy ASC role.

Newcomer Cllr Burwash is deputy. Also new to the top table is Cllr Ben Fryer in the role of deputy cabinet member for Economic Development and Special Projects.

Cllr Jamie Henderson has also stepped up from his previous role as deputy cabinet member for Economic Development, Environment and Coastal Regeneration to the newly updated and expanded role of cabinet member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, supported by deputy Mark Mulvihill. Cllr Chris Hespe’s Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) portfolio has been expanded to incorporate Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) with Cllr Paul Chamberlain as deputy.

Cllr Kemkaran said: “Approaching one year since taking office, I am pleased to announce a refreshed Cabinet that brings in new energy while strengthening the experienced team already delivering for Kent. This reshuffle ensures we are in the strongest possible position to build on the progress we have made and to continue delivering for residents across the county.”

KCC Green Party group leader, Cllr Mark Hood, said: “With Local Government Reorganisation looming and only a year into this Reform administration we had hoped to see some stability as inexperienced cabinet members became familiar with their portfolios. Instead, we have Reform UK’s version of musical chairs and cabinet members will need to familiarise themselves with their new responsibilities quickly. More of the chaos we have come to expect”.

Labour co-leader Cllr Connie Nolan said: “It takes about a year to settle in and get used to a cabinet brief and she (Cllr Kemkaran) has moved them around. Why is she doing it – are these people not doing what she wants them to do?”