Reform UK's leading local authority has sparked controversy by approving the hiring of political assistants at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds, just months after being elected on a platform of cutting wasteful spending.
Hypocrisy Claims Over Adviser Appointments
The decision by Kent County Council follows similar criticism levelled at Reform councillors in Warwickshire in July, who voted to spend £150,000 on advisers. Some of these aides are reportedly being sent by the national party to manage problems within Reform-run councils. Both authorities are currently grappling with significant budget shortfalls.
A leaked recording from a recent meeting of Kent's Reform group revealed the plans. Councillors, pictured wearing turquoise Santa's elf hats, were informed by one of their leaders, Maxwell Harrison, that the council had hired Michael Hadwen as a "political assistant". Hadwen is a former director of campaigning and training at Reform UK's head office.
Controversial Views of Appointed Adviser
The appointment has drawn further scrutiny due to Hadwen's past social media activity. He has expressed support for the immigration ideas of the late MP Enoch Powell, responding to a tweet by Conservative Daniel Hannan by stating, "Enoch was right, he was just before the times."
In April 2018, shortly after the Salisbury poisonings, Hadwen also posted that "Russia is not my enemy" and that the UK should "be working with them, and not throwing around threats like a spoilt child."
The council vote on Thursday passed with 45 votes in favour and 26 against. Reform maintains its majority on Kent County Council following internal purges of several councillors, which came after the Guardian published footage of group infighting where members were told to "fucking suck it up" by leader Linden Kemkaran.
Financial Pressure and Political Defence
The party utilised a clause in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 that permits councils to appoint up to three assistants to political groups, with salaries potentially reaching £49,282 plus employer costs.
Liberal Democrat group leader Antony Hook condemned the move, stating: "Kent County Council is in a worsening financial state under Reform with the projected overspend now at £46m and rising. They want to spend public money on a political apparatchik to tell them what to do." He highlighted the concerning nature of the appointee's past statements.
A Reform UK Kent spokesperson defended the decision, arguing the role would be "cost neutral" and that providing professional support was "entirely proportionate". They compared the council's budget to government departments that employ multiple political advisers, stating such roles are a normal part of local government, citing Lib Dem-controlled Gloucestershire as an example.
