Council leader denies highways chief was sacked from cabinet

BARRETT HAS 'AGREED TO LEAVE' JUST 45 DAYS AFTER TAKING ROLE

- By SIMON FINLAY

REFORM UK's new administration at Kent County Council has replaced its first cabinet member, less than seven weeks into the job.

Cllr Bill Barrett has stepped down from his place at the top table, where he was in charge of highways and transport.

A Reform UK spokesman insisted the move was “an agreement” and that Cllr Barrett had not been sacked.

An official statement from County Hall said: “The Leader of Kent County Council has announced a change to her Cabinet.

“Linden Kemkaran says Bill Barrett, who represents Ashford Rural South, made the decision to step down from his role as cabinet member for highways and transport. He will be replaced by his deputy, Peter Osborne, member for Hythe West.”