Greens win by-election to replace jailed councillor

Following the imprisonment of a local councillor, the Green Party has claimed victory in a by-election for Kent County Council. The contest was triggered after Daniel Taylor, a 35-year-old from Margate, received a 12-month prison sentence in February for admitting to controlling or coercive behavior toward his wife.

Reform, the political party Taylor represented, suspended him shortly after his win in the 2025 local elections. He had served as an independent until his sentencing. On Thursday, voters selected his successor, with Greens candidate Rob Yates securing nearly 39% of the vote.

Candidate’s Statement

“This result shows that across Kent and the country, the Greens are the antidote to Reform,” said Yates, a 39-year-old offshore wind farmer and current Thanet District Council member.

Reform’s Response

Mark Hood, leader of the Green Group on Kent County Council, called the outcome “seismic,” emphasizing its significance for both the region and the nation. “Reform lost this seat within a year due to their dismal record of failure, chaos, and managed decline in running the council,” he added.

Reform, which held control of Kent County Council in May 2025 with 57 out of 81 seats, now has 47 seats following the loss. Linden Kemkaren, the council’s leader and a Reform member, thanked voters on X, praising Marc Rattigan, the party’s candidate, as “fantastic.” She noted, “He could not have done any more or worked any harder.” Kemkaren acknowledged the result was not what they desired but highlighted their campaign’s “clean and positive” approach.

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