On the 28th July 2023, KCC Cllr Harry Rayner, County Member for Malling West (pictured below left), threw his hat into the ring to become leader of the Conservatives at KCC.
Cllr Rayner (Con) was to take on the current KCC Leader Cllr Roger Gough (pictured above right).
At approximately 16:15 today 21 August, Cllr Rayner made it clear to his fellow conservative colleagues his “chances of success are insufficient to justify my continuing as a candidate.” As such he has notified “the Conservative Group that I shall not, as previously declared, stand against Roger for the Group Leadership.”
Prior to Cllr Rayner’s announcement to stand against Cllr Gough, he “had held several discussions, instigated by the Leadership, regarding…[an] appointment as a Deputy Cabinet Member.” As a deputy Cabinet Member Cllr Rayner is entitled to approximately £17,000 on top of his standard basic allowance of £16,401.40. In 2022/23 Cllr Rayner allowances and expenses were £15,695.16
Cllr Rayner has accepted an appointment by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Gough as Deputy Cabinet Member (Finance).
The Shepway Vox Team
Not owned by Hedgefunds or Barons
