It comes as the party consistently tops the polls against both the government and other opposition parties
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Image: Getty)
Three councillors around Kent have joined Reform UK. Cllr Barry Manners in Thanet, Cllr Dakota Dibben in Gravesham, and Cllr Laurence Ball in Sevenoaks have become the latest elected members to join Nigel Farage’s party.
It comes as the right-wing party consistently tops the polls against both the government and other opposition parties. Cllr Manners has represented Cliftonville East on Thanet District Council since 2023.
Originally elected as a Conservative, he left that party in May last year and has sat as an independent until announcing he was joining Reform today (January 14). “Joining Reform UK marks an exciting new chapter for me as a councillor in Thanet, with a renewed focus on practical, local solutions that make a visible difference,” Cllr Manners said.
“As both a resident and a councillor, I have often seen how poor decision-making and unaccountable systems hold communities back, and I am determined to challenge that. The former property management businessman has previously spoken about his experience as a passenger of British Airways flight 149, which was trapped in Kuwait during Saddam Hussein regime’s invasion of that country in 1990.
During that ordeal, Cllr Manners ended up spending more than four months in Iraqi captivity. He said: “My outlook has been shaped by difficult experiences earlier in my life, in particular as a hostage in Iraq from BA149, which taught me the importance of resilience, responsibility, and strong leadership, as well as the real consequences when institutions fail to act in the public interest.
“I want to see Thanet – and the country as a whole – thrive through opportunity. Not managed decline. That means backing local businesses, rewarding hard work, and empowering communities to take ownership of their futures and their local environment.
“As a Reform UK district councillor in Thanet, I believe I am now part of a movement that is focused on delivering value for taxpayers and tangible outcomes for residents.” He is now the third Reform councillor at the Labour-run council, joining Cllrs Darren Oxborrow and Peter Evans.
Meanwhile, Cllr Dakota Dibben, who represents Istead Rise, Cobham and Luddesdown ward on Gravesham Borough Council, has also joined Reform UK. “For some time, I have felt the Conservative Party no longer aligns with my views of how the Gravesham area should be run,” he said.
“The party’s influence in the borough has declined and it is no longer able to offer any prospect of making real change.” Outside of politics, the lifelong resident of his ward is also a teacher in a neighbouring borough.
“It is time for me to join a party which is able to support my passions as well as those of the majority of my constituents. There must be change.
“This belief is now held by a large number of Gravesham residents. By moving to Reform, I can be in a key position to take the change forward.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Reform party colleagues on the council in the months ahead.” He is now the fifth Reform UK member on Gravesham council.
Cllr Laurence Ball, who represents Farningham, Horton Kirby & South Darenth on Sevenoaks District Council, has also joined up today. The former Swanley mayor and chairman of Sevenoaks council has been a councillor for 14 years, and left the ruling Conservative Party to join Reform.
“The ruling Conservative Party has tainted their integrity and often caters to minority groups,” he said. “While I have long worked towards delivering real results for the residents, I can no longer do so as a Conservative.
“I share the refreshing aims and values that Reform UK stands for, and I am eager to represent the people of Sevenoaks as a Reform UK councillor.” He is now the second Reform member on that council, joining Cllr James Barnett, who also jumped ship from the Tories in December.
Reform UK does not control any district councils in Kent, but they do form the ruling majority group at Kent County Council (KCC). Originally elected with 57 seats on KCC in May, the party now has 48, having lost nine to expulsions and factional disputes since then.
Despite having only five members of Parliament – none of which are in Kent – Reform UK is widely perceived to be an insurgent party, consistently leading in polls. A spokesperson for the party said: “We are delighted to welcome Laurence, Barry and Dakota to Reform UK.
“They offer a wealth of local knowledge which will greatly benefit our operation in Kent.”
