The Kent County Council meeting on Thursday, 21st May 2026, saw significant debate and voting on proposals to introduce the Lord's Prayer and the National Anthem at the start and end of council meetings, respectively. Ultimately, the amendment to replace the Lord's Prayer with quiet reflection was defeated, and the original proposal to include the Lord's Prayer and National Anthem was passed. The council also approved revisions to its Strategic Statement, 'Reforming Kent 2025-2028', and a change in the reporting line for the Director of Public Health.

Lord's Prayer and National Anthem Debate

A contentious debate took place regarding the proposal to recite the Lord's Prayer at the beginning of council meetings and sing the National Anthem at the end. An amendment proposed by Mr Soule to replace the Lord's Prayer with 30 seconds of quiet reflection was defeated by 44 votes to 16. Subsequently, the original proposal to include the Lord's Prayer and National Anthem was passed with 45 votes in favour, 26 against, and 5 abstentions.

During the debate, various councillors expressed their views. Mr Bradshaw, a practicing Anglican, supported the Lord's Prayer as a unifying element of national identity, while cautioning against it becoming performative. Mr Barrett, an atheist, expressed unease about religious acts in council meetings, citing human rights concerns. Mr Palmer supported the proposal, stating that England is a Christian country and that the prayer and anthem are not compulsory. Mr Heaver, however, called the debate nonsense and expressed embarrassment, arguing that council time should be focused on pressing resident issues like homelessness and the cost of living crisis. Mr Thomas proposed an amendment to allow for a period of reflection before the Lord's Prayer and National Anthem, suggesting this would be more inclusive and allow for orderly participation. This amendment was also defeated.

Strategic Statement Revisions Approved

The council approved revisions to its Strategic Statement, 'Reforming Kent 2025-2028', and noted the progress made. The revised statement aims to ensure the document remains current and relevant. The report highlighted achievements in various areas, including debt reduction, road repairs, and support for early years services. However, opposition members raised concerns about the lack of detail, measurable targets, and the administration's handling of issues such as SEND services, adult social care, and financial management.

Ms Russell, a farmer, expressed support for the sentiment of protecting the countryside and farmers but felt the motion lacked deliverables and was becoming a political football. Mr Burns questioned the tangible progress on small nuclear reactors and the feasibility of an HGV levy. Mr Steptoe critiqued several revisions, including the ban on smartphones in schools and the lack of clarity on climate change policy. Mr Hook described the report as high on self-congratulation and short on accountability, citing concerns about SEND system performance, foster care placements, and financial stability. Mr Yates, a new councillor, highlighted that the Reform UK administration had overturned a significant majority in Cliftonville, suggesting resident exasperation.

Senior Management Structure Change

A change to the senior management structure was approved, moving the Director of Public Health's reporting line from the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health to the Chief Executive. This change was recommended by the Personnel Committee and aims to reflect the strategic importance of public health and support a stronger corporate approach. The Director of Public Health and the Corporate Director Adult Social Care and Health both supported the move.

Proportionality and Committee Appointments

The council approved amendments to the allocation of committee and subcommittee places between political groups to reflect the updated political make-up of the council following a by-election. The Democratic Services Manager was delegated authority to resolve relevant appointments with the affected political groups.

Motions for Time-Limited Debate

Protecting and Supporting Kent's Farmers: A motion proposed by Mr Bradshaw and seconded by Mr Burns, aiming to support Kent's farmers, was significantly amended by the Reform UK group. The amendment, proposed by Mr Harrison and seconded by Ms Emberson, was passed, leading to the withdrawal of the original motion by Mr Bradshaw due to his dissatisfaction with the extent of the changes. The amended motion, which focused on continuing existing work and removing specific recommendations regarding deer culling and water reviews, was passed by 46 votes to 21, with 13 abstentions.

Urgent Government Support for Tourist Travel in Kent: A motion proposed by Mr Prater and seconded by Mr Hook, calling for government support to manage tourist traffic and the impact of the Entry-Exit System (EES) on Kent's roads, was passed unanimously with 67 votes in favour, 1 abstention, and no objections. The motion highlighted the significant disruption caused by freight traffic management systems like Operation Brock and the anticipated impact of EES on tourist traffic, urging the government to provide necessary tools, funding, and infrastructure.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Jeremy Eustace was elected as the new Chairman of the Council, receiving 43 votes to Mrs Sarah Hudson's 21. Councillor Dodger Sian was elected as Vice-Chairman.

Other Business

The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, Chairman's announcements including tributes to deceased former members, and a report by the Leader of the Council on the administration's first year in office. Questions were also addressed to cabinet members on various topics, including Operation Brock, bus service contributions, asset disposal, school bus passes, post-16 transport, highways planning, environmental verges, library development, the sale of Anthony Gormley sculptures, and the Council's approach to the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community.