Government reforms would shake up Kent councils

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced a major shake-up of England's local government

Kent County Council, Medway Council and the county's district councils could be abolished in favour of unitary authorities overlooked by a new metro style mayor.

The government announced details of its Devolution Bill on Monday after proposing it at the state opening of Parliament in July.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told the BBC giving regional mayors more powers over housing, transport, education and employment would help "drive economic growth".

Speaking to Politics South East, the leader of Tonbridge and Malling Council Matt Boughton said he was "not against the idea of a mayor" but he was against "an added layer and tier of local government".

Downing Street said devolution plans aim to give more powers to local leaders, although opponents have claimed scrapping district councils could deprive people of local representation.

Kent's largest councils, Kent County Council and Medway Council, have both told the BBC they are "reviewing" Monday's announcement.

In other parts of the country, the metro-mayors have been responsible for transport, building proposals and even policing.

Ms Rayner was joined at the launch by elected mayors from across England

It is not yet clear how far a new mayor of Kent's powers will go under the devolution plans.

All members of Kent County Council are up for election in May 2025, but the devolution announcement could see that vote delayed or postponed to allow for the reorganisation of local government.