Reform UK has officially taken control of Kent County Council following the party's sweeping victory in May's local elections. Kent party leader Linden Kemkaran was sworn in as council leader and told her councillors in a private meeting: "Today is about getting on with business." In her first speech to the chamber, Ms Kemkaran announced a host of things, including a cabinet role inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) office - a drive to cut US government spending overseen by Elon Musk. To those critical of the lack of experience in her councillors, Mr Kemkaran said: "We stood because we believe this country of ours is in grave danger and time is running out to save it."
