Kent Lib Dems

20/03/2026

If we hadn't been forced to leave the chamber yesterday, this is the speech Richard Streatfeild would have given on Reform's cowardly, Ill informed, wrong little motion.

It's just 🔥 Richard served in Afghanistan in the British Army. Listen.

Richard Streatfeild was planning to speak on the Reform UK motion on Thursday afternoon before the rulings and chairing of the debate made reasoned participation impossible and all opposition Councillors left. This is what he would have said.

19/03/2026

Today at Kent County Council, the Liberal Democrats and other Opposition Groups refused to give legitimacy to a political stunt from the Reform Party.

KCC’s essential services—such as adult care, supporting children with special needs, and maintaining our highways—are getting worse under Reform since they took control of the council last May.

Instead of addressing these local issues, Reform brought forward a motion today about channel crossings—an issue that is not a KCC responsibility. The motion proposed no real action and relied on claims unsupported by evidence, some of which are demonstrably untrue.

In our view, this was a political stunt designed to influence the Cliftonville by-election and a misuse of the Council Chamber and its resources. We were not prepared to remain and legitimize a "debate" with a pre-ordained outcome.

The public deserves better.

We had tabled a constructive motion to support seafarers and mark Merchant Navy Day in September. We will seek to bring these proposals back to the County Council at the next available opportunity. 🚢⚓️

16/03/2026

We unite people and knowledge to save lives through pioneering research, powerful campaigns, evidence-based policy and global advocacy.

11/03/2026

Mo is the fresh voice Cliftonville needs

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/lib-dems-choose-scientist-mo-for-vital-county-council-by-ele-337551/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQezQJjbGNrBB7MrmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHm-8km-QGPMwOe7Dg9RXecKNzI7cHVhGnBbnFT05bEVh-sELk9zk87baZdhi_aem_guLnI-k2svj6IY-4VbxZBw

The Liberal Democrats have named Dr Mo Shafaei as their candidate for the Thanet county council by-election.

24/02/2026

I organised an event at County Hall today to remember the 4th Anniversary of the outrageous Russian invasion of Ukraine.

We remembered the victims of the war and expressed our hope that Ukraine will win and western countries will continue to support them until they do.

The event was attended by councillors and former councillors from all political parties, Ukrainian residents in Kent and a representative of the Ukrainian government.

A number of very powerful, moving speeches were made.

Thanks to Rev Simon Rowlands and Cllr Rob Newman coming over from Faversham.

09/02/2026

March 2025: Reform Said They Would Cut Kent Taxes.

February 2026: Reform Raise Kent Taxes.

Lib Dem Kent Deputy Leader Richard Streatfeild explains the 2026 Kent Reform budget of broken promises.

09/02/2026

The Liberal Democrat Group at KCC have submitted amendments to the budget moving money away from political advisers and senior councillors and into educational support for children with special needs, fixing potholes and transport costs for young people in further education.

KCC Lib Dems have submitted amendments to the budget moving money away from political advisers and senior councillors and into educational support for children with special needs, fixing potholes and transport costs for young people in further education.

06/02/2026

New: I've launched my new initiative 'Spot it. Snap it. Send it.' to keep Goudhurst HGV free.

Thanks to our successful petition, SATNAV companies TomTom, Here Maps and Garmin, which supply the software to the vast majority of vehicle satellite navigation systems, have agreed to update their systems to reflect the HGV restriction in place through Goudhurst.

Now, I'm going further in my campaign to stop HGVs making unnecessary journeys through Goudhurst with the launch of 'Spot it. Snap it. Send it.'

It's simple: if you spot an HGV driving through Goudhurst, let alone getting stuck, please snap a photo and send it to me using this link: www.mike-martin.co.uk/lorry-watch

Please include the number plate, the company name, and the date and time you spotted the lorry. I’ll then contact the company, demand that they stop sending lorries through Goudhurst and ensure their drivers use proper HGV satnavs.

01/02/2026

Kent deserves better than this.

30/01/2026

KCC Leader of the Opposition Antony Hook wason .co.uk 's Politics Podcast yesterday talking about the local government reform, future elections and Reform's failures in Kent.

https://www.kmfm.co.uk/on-air/podcasts/the-kent-politics-podcast/episode/ep101-the-future-of-local-government-in-kent-and-the-role-of-reform-uk/

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 101 - The Future of Local Government in Kent and the Role of Reform UK Episode: The Future of Local Government in Kent and the Role of Reform UK On this week's episode: Hosts:Simon Finlay, Local Democracy ReporterDan Esson, Reporter for Borough and District Authorit...

27/01/2026

We remember everyone who died in the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides.

We must all strive to ensure that hatred is rejected and everyone may live in safety and freedom.