Reform UK has officially launched its campaign to win the Cliftonville division seat on Kent County Council, with Marc Rattigan as its candidate. The campaign launch took place as the party continues to build momentum across Kent and the wider South East ahead of the May 2026 local elections.

Rattigan, described as a respected local family man, business owner and magistrate, will compete against candidates from other parties vying for the County Council position. The Greens have fielded Rob Yates, a Thanet councillor representing Margate Central, whilst the Liberal Democrats are supporting Dr Mo Shafaei.

The by-election comes during a significant period of political activity in the region. Kent, alongside Surrey and Sussex, remains among traditionally Conservative-held areas that continue to be actively contested by the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. This reflects broader national political shifts, with both parties making substantial gains in recent electoral contests.

The launch of Reform UK’s Cliftonville campaign demonstrates the party’s intent to build a strong local presence in Thanet. Recent weeks have seen notable movement within local politics, with several district councillors defecting to Reform UK, signalling the party’s growing appeal among some local representatives.

The timing of this campaign follows the government’s recent reversal of plans to postpone local elections across 30 councils. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed announced the U-turn on 16 February 2026 following legal advice, restoring voting rights to approximately 4.6 million residents who had been set to lose the opportunity to vote in their local elections. The government subsequently pledged £63 million to support councils undergoing reorganisation, allowing all scheduled elections to proceed as planned.

Across England, 5,014 council seats will be contested on 7 May 2026, with devolved elections also taking place in Wales and Scotland on the same date. The national context suggests parties across the spectrum are preparing for significant electoral contests, with various analyses indicating potential shifts in council control across multiple authorities.

For Thanet and the wider Cliftonville division, the by-election presents residents with the opportunity to select their County Council representative during a period of considerable local government change. The constituency remains closely contested, with multiple parties actively campaigning to secure local support.

Key Takeaways

• Reform UK has officially launched its Cliftonville by-election campaign with Marc Rattigan as candidate
• The race features candidates from the Greens, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK
• The by-election occurs against the backdrop of significant national electoral activity scheduled for May 2026
• Thanet continues to be a key battleground for multiple political parties

What This Means for Kent Residents

Residents of Cliftonville will have the chance to elect their preferred representative to Kent County Council. The by-election reflects the broader competitive political landscape across Kent, where several parties are actively campaigning to gain ground in local government. Voters can expect continued engagement from all candidates and parties as the campaign progresses.