A few minutes ago the entire opposition @Kent_cc walked out of the Chamber in protest @reformparty_uk gagging of democracy. Against advice and guidance of the Electoral Commission, independent Constitutional Barristers and the Council's own Monitoring Officer, ReformUK insisted on tabling their motion declaring a Migration Emergency, even though the council is with the 'Purdah" period when they are legally prohibited from debating issues which might influence the outcome of local elections presently taking place. The only way they could do this was by the Chairman informing elected members that they were barred from criticising Reform, make political points or criticise the policy. The opposition parties met at lunchtime and agreed that the rules of debate set by the Reform-appointed Chairman made it impossible to oppose (which is our job). This is a sad day for democracy, a sad day for good governance and a sad day for Kent and an example of what ReformUK will be like in government.
