Tapp and Kemkaran clash as party infighting throws Doge plans into confusion

DOVER and Deal MP Mike Tapp launched an attack on the leadership of Kent County Council, accusing it of descending into "chaos, infighting and imported gimmicks" under Reform UK control.

- By CATHERINE LANGSTON

In a strongly worded open letter published over the weekend, Labour MP Mr Tapp criticised council leader Linden Kemkaran, warning that decisions appeared "driven more by populist rhetoric than by sound governance or the best interests of Kent's residents".

Mr Tapp expressed concern over the controversial "Doge" initiative - a campaign inspired by Donald Trump and Elon Musk - which brought four unelected individuals in to shake up council operations.

Since then, two of the four people involved have resigned amid rumours of internal division, with one, Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf, returning under unclear circumstances.

Another member of the Doge team, millionaire party backer Aaron Banks, reportedly celebrated Yusuf's departure, stating: "HQ will be popping corks."