A former Reform councillor has announced he is considering legal action against the party for defamation of character following his removal.
Councillor Robert Ford was removed from Reform UK last month following unofficial complaints from female members of staff.
Mr Ford claims his dismissal stems from an "erotic novel" he had published, which he had mentioned to people at Kent County Council (KCC).
Reform UK secured control of KCC in May, winning 57 of 81 seats and ending a three-decade Conservative majority.
However, the party's ranks have since dwindled to 48 councillors, with nine members having been either suspended or removed.
On Thursday, Mr Ford stated: "I’m currently taking legal advice regarding the defamation of my character by Reform UK at KCC that occurred on 13 October and I intend in the coming months to pursue this with vigour."
Reform UK has not provided further information on the nature of the complaints.
Most recently, councillor Isabella Kemp, who represents Sheppey on KCC, was suspended from the party ahead of a council meeting on Thursday.
Ms Kemp is the latest in a string of suspensions since a video showing KCC leader Linden Kemkaran shouting and swearing at members was leaked to The Guardian.
It has been reported by the bbc">BBC that Ms Kemp is also considering legal action against Reform UK.
Councillors Bill Barrett, Paul Thomas, Brian Black and Oliver Bradshaw have since been removed – while Maxine Fothergill remains suspended by Reform HQ, which linked all five to the video leak.
They were said to have “undermined the interests of the party” and have been called “dishonest” by the leadership.
Mr Black, Mr Bradshaw and Mr Thomas have reportedly declared their “continued support” for the party at both national and local level.
Mr Barrett and Mr Ford have taken a different line, criticising Reform UK and creating an Independent Reformers Group at KCC.
In a speech in the council chamber on Thursday, Ms Kemkaran drew parallels between her party and her son’s army training.
“Some had quit because they couldn’t hack it, others have been thrown out for bad behaviour, because they weren’t good enough or they weren’t team players – not up to the challenge or were simply unable or unwilling to accept discipline,” she said.
“Believe me, we are much stronger and we are totally battle fit.”
Leader of the opposition, Liberal Democrat Antony Hook, implied the Reform administration had made KCC a “punchline” on Have I Got News For You.
“I’m told that people are literally placing bets on whether the administration will last until Christmas or Easter,” he said.
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