Richard Tice launched a scathing attack on Nigel Nelson during a tense GB News discussion today, labelling his claims about the Reform UK-led Kent County Council as “absolute twaddle".
The row comes after a union alleged that Reform UK’s suspension or expulsion of nine Kent councillors had left the fire service unable to make major spending decisions.
Speaking on GB News, Mr Nelson warned that infighting at the council was “extraordinary” and claimed the fire authority was failing to operate properly.
Deputy leader of Reform UK Mr Tice dismissed the allegations outright, saying: “Chaos? Nigel, it is doing great.
Mr Nelson continued: “The infighting there is extraordinary. At the moment, you’ve got a fire authority that’s not working because...”
Mr Tice cut him off: “I’m going to stop you there, that is a lie. There is a communist leader of a trade union who is deeply, deeply irresponsible.
"The chief executive of the fire service said, ‘That’s nonsense. We’re not going to tolerate lies by a union leader that damage the confidence of the good residents of Kent.’ But he should know better; he should apologise and frankly he should resign.”
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Richard Tice was left furious with the comments
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Mr Nelson argued that without a functioning fire authority, emergency spending would be impossible.
Mr Tice hit back, insisting that “the fire authority with the chief executive will handle it, and if extra resources are needed, the council will provide them."
"When there’s a fire, who goes to the fire? It’s the firemen and women, not the councillors.”
Mr Nelson argued: “But there is a limit on the amount of extra money they can actually access.”
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Nigel Nelson is a resident in Kent
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Mr Nelson said: “If Kent needs extra emergency money…”
Mr Tice interrupted: "They would get it.”
Mr Nelson tried to continue: “The leader of the council...”
The Deputy leader of Reform UK quickly chimed in: “I will not tolerate scaremongering. We’re running that for everyone and saving tens of millions where we can.
"Appoint someone immediately if needed, it’s not an issue. The council is operating brilliantly, saving a load of money.
"You should be ashamed of yourself for scaremongering and doing them down. The firemen of Kent are doing a great job, and I continue to praise them.
"Stop undermining their work. The council is functioning, and your scaremongering is completely unwarranted.”
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