Marc Lee Rattigan has been welcomed into the Reform UK family at Kent County Council, according to a statement from the party’s leadership. Rattigan previously stood as a Conservative and Unionist Party candidate in the Margate division during the Kent County Council election held on 1 May 2025.

In that election, Rattigan secured 333 votes, finishing fourth amongst five candidates in the division. The Margate seat was won by Jamie Henderson of Reform UK, who topped the poll with 1,332 votes. The election saw a turnout of 23 per cent across the division, with 3,647 ballot papers issued from an electorate of 15,243.

The arrival of Rattigan into the Reform UK ranks reflects broader changes within Kent’s political landscape. The 2025 Kent County Council election resulted in significant gains for Reform UK, which now holds a majority of seats on the council. The party has continued to consolidate its position through subsequent party movements and changes in the months following the May election.

This development is part of a pattern of political realignment at KCC. In the period following the May 2025 election, several councillors have switched party allegiances, with some moving to Reform UK from other parties. The leadership’s endorsement of Rattigan suggests the party views him as a valuable addition to its ranks at the county council level.

Kent County Council is responsible for major policy areas including education, transport, planning, social care, and libraries. The council is also preparing for significant structural changes, with government devolution plans potentially affecting the future of county councils in their current form. The 2025 election was widely expected to be amongst the last held for KCC in its existing format.

Rattigan’s switch from the Conservative Party to Reform UK aligns with broader shifts in Kent politics, where Reform UK has emerged as a dominant force following the May 2025 elections. The party’s growth at local authority level has been sustained through both election victories and subsequent recruitment from other parties.

Key Takeaways

• Marc Rattigan, who stood as a Conservative candidate in Margate during the May 2025 KCC election, has joined Reform UK
• Rattigan received 333 votes in that election, finishing fourth out of five candidates
• The move reflects ongoing political realignment at Kent County Council, where Reform UK now holds a majority position

What This Means for Kent Residents

Political changes at county council level continue to reshape Kent’s governance. Residents should remain aware of their representatives’ party affiliations and positions on key issues affecting the county, including education funding, transport infrastructure, and social care provision. Checking your council representative’s current party affiliation and priorities ensures you can engage effectively with those representing your area.