Reform UK councillor in Kent suspended after allegations of misconduct
Robert Ford had the party whip removed on Monday
A Reform UK councillor in Kent has been suspended after allegations of misconduct from an "unofficial complaint" from several women.
Robert Ford, who represents Maidstone Rural West at Kent County Council (KCC) after being elected as a Reform councillor in May, had the party whip removed on Monday.
The party says it will launch an internal investigation after multiple female members of staff at KCC made complaints about Mr Ford last week.
A statement from Reform UK said: "We have today suspended the Reform UK whip from councillor Robert Ford pending investigation into his conduct.
"Last week an unofficial complaint was made against councillor Ford by several female members of staff.
"Despite being offered a meeting with the whip's office to discuss the complaints, councillor Ford refused to engage with the process which has now escalated into a disciplinary matter."
Mr Ford has suggested to the BBC that it "was a surprise" that any female members of staff had made a complaint.
The PA news agency has contacted Mr Ford, who will now sit as an Independent councillor, for comment.
Earlier this year, Reform UK suspended another KCC councillor Daniel Taylor following allegations that he had threatened to kill his wife.
He is set to stand trial at Margate Magistrates Court in May next year.