Cllr Paul Carter has held
the top job at KCC for six years

EXCLUSIVE

by political editor Paul Francis

pfrancis@thekmgroup.co.uk

The Conservative leader of Kent County Council is to face a
challenge to his leadership after six years in the role.

An attempt to oust Cllr Paul Carter from the top job will be
made next month when the Conservative group holds its annual
meeting.

He will be challenged by at least two former cabinet colleagues
and it is understood that others are weighing up whether to enter
the contest.

The battle for what is seen as one of the top political jobs in
local government, overseeing the country's largest county council,
comes after a succession of behind-the-scenes rows.

"i want the people we serve to see a change for the better." – cllr nick chard, former kcc cabinet member

Cllr Nick Chard, the
former cabinet member for highways, confirmed he intended to
contest the leadership, saying he felt it was time for a
change.

He said: "It is no secret that I want to see change in the way
the Conservative administration handles itself and the way in which
it is perceived both internally and externally. I want KCC to be
regarded in the same way it was when it was under the leadership of
Sandy Bruce-Lockhart."

Cllr Chard was sacked from the cabinet in January after holding
two key roles. He had been responsible for finance until 2009
before being asked to take on the highways job.

In an e-mail sent to Mr Carter and copied to colleagues, seen by
the KM Group, Mr Chard writes: "I have been unhappy with elements
of your leadership for some time, even before your curt dismissal
of me from cabinet this year. I want the people we serve to see a
change for the better."

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The veteran councillor Keith Ferrin, who represents Swale, is
also planning to throw his hat in the ring. He could not be
contacted as he is out of the country.

Cllr Carter came out fighting, saying he was determined to stay
on and dismissing the threat of a challenge.

"We secured the largest majority we have ever had at County Hall
under my leadership and I am looking forward to getting a new
mandate to lead the council and my group. I will be setting out my
track record and how I intend to take the council forward."

He said the revolt was
confined to a small number of fellow councillors. "But that is
their democratic right within the party's rules and regulations. I
hope this will clear the air and we can move forward."

The leadership challenge comes against a background of a number
of behind-the-scenes arguments within the Conservative group over
recent policy decisions.

Some backbenchers have become increasingly concerned over what
they regard as decisions being presented to them for
rubber-stamping rather than consultation.

A revolt forced a U-turn on controversial plans to shut between
40 and 50 libraries and there is understood to be continuing
concern over planned cuts to the youth service.

Only last week, a private meeting of the group was dominated by
a row over plans to axe the jobs of five community liaison
managers. The cabinet was forced to reverse the proposals after
wide-ranging criticism from backbenchers.

It was after this meeting both Cllr Chard and Cllr Ferrin
disclosed they intended to contest the leadership.

Opinions within County Hall are mixed over the eventual outcome,
with some insiders suggesting Cllr Carter will easily see off any
challenge.

However, the prospect of a larger slate of candidates could make
it harder for him to hang on.