Sweeping reforms to the way local councils are run in Kent will take a decisive next step later this week.

The government’s planned “Devolution Revolution” will be put to all members of Kent County Council (KCC) for consideration on Thursday morning.

The changes will likely see an elected mayor for the first time with all 14 local authorities replaced by a smaller number of unitary councils.

A white paper, unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on December 16, would hail the biggest and most rapid shake-up in Kent’s local governance in 50 years.

KCC members are being invited to share their views on the devolution priority programme (DPP).

The council’s response must be submitted to ministers by Friday, January 10.

It is understood KCC’s leadership is minded to take the fastest option, thus securing more powers and cash for Kent.

This could see a mayor in place by 2026 and elections to the new unitary authorites in around 2027. KCC and the new authorities would run in parallel until KCC ceases to exist.

The government may sanction the suspension of next May’s KCC election.

Conservative-controlled KCC and Labour-run Medway Council have been working together on a response to the government while taking views from the county’s 12 district and borough authorities.

Members of the Green Party are to stage a protest outside County Hall, Maidstone, on Thursday morning to protest about the devolution process which it claims is undemocratic.

Conservative KCC leader Roger Gough said: “Fundamental for the future of Kent will be the ability to access more powers and monies from central government to support vital issues such as economic development, transport and planning…I believe this will bring very real benefits….

“The move towards devolution will involve discussions around every vital service that KCC, Medway Council and district and borough councils…deliver to residents, and it is essential that any outcomes are determined in collaboration...”

The KCC leadership says it will confirm its approach to the cabinet at 2pm on Thursday (January 9).

Liberal Democrat KCC member for Sevenoaks, Richard Streatfeild accused the Tories at County Hall of political manoeuvring to avoid an election in May.

He said: “The prospect of losing control of KCC in May has persuaded them to try to delay those elections. Their calculation is that they have the least to lose and most to gain by agreeing with Westminster.

“Yet again they are thinking about what is best for their party and not for Kent. And they are opting for a voting system that, in a five-party contest and on a low turnout, could elect a powerful mayor with the support of only around one in ten of the overall electorate.”

Newly-elected Reform UK KCC councillor for Dartford, Thomas Mallon said he wished to see more transparency and public consultation in the process.

He added: “KCC and Medway Council seem to be trying to rush this through because of the big bribes on offer from the government if they don’t drag their heels.”

Green Party members will protest against the “Death of Local Democracy” at County Hall in Maidstone on Thursday morning from 9am.

Maidstone Green Party Cllr Stephen Thompson said “The idea that democracy can be cancelled to speed up devolution is simply ludicrous.

“The devolution changes, including abolishing county and district councils, require a democratic mandate. Cancelling the elections gives a democratic deficit.

“We need councillors in KCC who have a mandate from the people of Kent to make the difficult decisions that we face. Democracy is essential and the May elections must go ahead.”

Former Labour councillor for Thanet and now sitting as an independent, Barry Lewis said: “If we are going to have a new mayor I would rather it is an independent and not party political.”