
The Reform leader of KCC, Linden Kemkaran, previously told the BBC that she was “in shock”.
Kemkaran, a consistent opponent of LGR, said: “I have always thought it was a waste of time and money.
“I wish I knew what this means for Kent County Council – it leaves us in limbo.”
She said the uncertainty was unfair on KCC staff and described the government as “shambolic”.
Green group leader at KCC, Mark Hood, added: “A programme nobody voted for and nobody asked for, now nobody in Kent is likely to see it delivered.”
The leader questioned how much this “fiasco” had cost council tax payers.
On Monday in the House of Commons, Dartford MP Jim Dickson queried how struggling KCC services could be supported during the review.
Secretary of State Angela Rayner says she wants to ensure “no communities are left behind”.
She told MPs that “in light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law”.
She added: “And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new prime minister and any additional considerations.”
While Rayner acknowledged the announcement was “disappointing” she insisted the government was “determined more than ever to devolve power closer to the people we represent” – a key priority of new PM Andy Burnham.
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