Green Party Secures By-Election Victory in Kent, Unseating Reform

The Green Party has secured a notable by-election victory for a Kent County Council seat, which became vacant following the imprisonment of the incumbent councillor.

New Councillor Takes Office

Rob Yates, 39, an offshore wind farmer, triumphed with nearly 39% of the vote in Thursday's ballot. Yates previously represented Labour on Thanet District Council until his defection to the Greens in September 2025. Following his win, Mr Yates declared, "This result shows that across Kent and across the country the Greens are the antidote to Reform."

Reform's Setback

The by-election was triggered after Daniel Taylor, 35, the former Reform councillor for the Cliftonville division, was sentenced to 12 months in prison in February for coercive and controlling behaviour towards his wife. Reform had suspended Mr Taylor shortly after his victory in the May 2025 local elections, with him subsequently sitting as an independent until his conviction.

Mark Hood, leader of Kent County Council's Green Group, described the result as "seismic" for both Kent and the wider country. He criticised Reform, stating, "Reform lost this seat after less than a year due to their dismal record of failure, chaos and managed decline running Kent County Council."

Reform, who gained control of Kent County Council in May last year with 57 out of 81 seats, now holds 47. Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaren, of Reform, expressed gratitude to voters and praised the party's candidate, Marc Rattigan, acknowledging that the result was not what they desired but commending a "clean and positive campaign."