Kent misses out on fast track devolution – KCC election is on

Devo Roger Gough
-Credit:Local Democracy Reporting Service


Kent has missed out being part of the government fast-tracked devolution programme. The sweeping change to local government, the biggest in half a century, would have seen the abolition of all 14 councils in Kent and the creation of a directly-elected mayor.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed rumours which had been swirling in Kent political circle since mid morning. Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council leaders, Roger Gough (Con) and Vince Maple (Lab) were hopeful to be put on the government’s “devolution priority programme” (DPP) as it may have resulted in more powers and better financial rewards for the county.

Most observers believe the May elections to KCC, where the Tories have three quarters of the 81 seats, will go ahead. Cllr Gough has instructed his back benchers the May elections “will proceed as normal”.

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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. 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.”

Some leaders were unconvinced by the mayoral model, saying it devolved too much power to one person. Councillors Gough and Maple wrote to leaders saying the reasons for not making the DPP were “both confusing and insufficient”.

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They wrote: “Not being part of this accelerated devolution programme is undoubtedly disappointing, given that Kent and Medway made it clear to government that we were ready and willing to meet its ambitious timeline and work towards a mayoral election in Kent in 2026. 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.

“We remain committed to securing a deal for Kent and Medway and will continue the valuable work with you that we have carried out across the county, to shape the best possible deal for our region. We will continue to lobby ministers to ensure that Kent and Medway remain top of the list when the next round of devolution deals in the UK is decided...”

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.”

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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.”

Conservative candidate for Maidstone at KCC Stanley Forecast said: “A unitary authority system would be good for Kent and it has always seemed madness to me that housing and transport have been separate. However, it is crucial democracy goes ahead and I am pleased the elections are on.”