The recent local elections in Kent witnessed a significant political shift with the rise of Reform UK, which secured a commanding majority in the Kent County Council. In a remarkable turn of events, the party achieved a total of 45 seats, effectively dismantling the previous stronghold of the Conservative Party within this local authority. This transition has triggered a host of discussions surrounding the party’s future plans and the expectations of its newly elected members.
David Wimble, a newly elected councillor representing Romney Marsh, has emerged as one of the prominent voices from the Reform UK camp. In a candid interview on Politics South East, Wimble made it clear that the party would not be implementing immediate solutions to the county’s numerous challenges. Acknowledging the complexity of the issues at hand, he urged constituents to be realistic about the party’s ability to enact changes swiftly. His statement, “We need to be realistic about what we can and can’t do,” encapsulated the sentiment of a cautious approach to governance.
Wimble emphasized the challenges that come with political transition, noting that many constituents might have unrealistic expectations regarding rapid changes. He expressed the concern that people may expect immediate action on various pressing issues, illustrating the need for patience. “I think the biggest worry is that they will expect to go in and make changes straight away,” said Wimble, reinforcing the idea that effective governance requires time and a structured plan.
During the interview, Wimble was confronted about national party issues, particularly concerning phrasings found in leaflet campaigns proclaiming the need to “stop the boats,” a reference to migration control. Responding to this point, he reiterated his focus on local matters, indicating that his campaign was grounded in addressing regional concerns that directly affect Kent constituents. “Somebody stopped me today and said ‘when are you going to stop the boats then?’. This is the county council,” Wimble stated, underscoring the distinction between local governance and national policy.
Moreover, the newly elected councillor spoke to the composition of the Reform UK council, comprising primarily of individuals without prior political experience. He dismissed concerns relating to their inexperience, suggesting that many have strong business backgrounds, which he believes equips them to face the practical challenges of governance. “All the [candidates] that have been elected have got experience of running their own businesses,” said Wimble, a perspective he hopes will contribute positively to the council’s operations.
However, former Conservative leader Roger Gough, who stepped down following the elections, addressed concerns regarding how Reform UK would handle pressing issues within the county. In a direct appeal to Wimble, Gough emphasized the importance of addressing substantial matters like adult social care and children’s services which require considerable attention and resources. “What I would say is, please take the issues on that seriously,” he urged, emphasizing that successful governance is built upon effectively tackling these fundamental concerns.
Looking ahead, the new Reform UK councillors are set to convene this week to establish leadership within the council. Wimble announced his intention to vie for the council leadership position, advocating for a shared leadership structure alongside another councillor, thus aiming to foster collaboration from the outset. The new leadership structure is expected to be finalized by next weekend.
In summary, the transition of power in Kent County Council to Reform UK marks an important chapter in local governance. When faced with the complexities of local issues, council members are expected to navigate these challenges intelligently and pragmatically, balancing public expectations with practical solutions. David Wimble’s leadership will be pivotal as he emphasizes realism and the pressing need for a gradual approach to reform.