One of the most colourful characters at Kent County Council has been deselected by the Labour Party to stand at next May’s election.
Cllr Barry Lewis, who represents Margate, was informed around two weeks ago that he will not be chosen for the seat at County Hall.
It is understood Cllr Lewis has appealed the decision after taking advice from a King’s Counsel, a senior lawyer appointed by the monarch.
But he has told friends he intends to stand as an independent if the appeal goes against him.
On October 23, Cllr Lewis posted online his history with the Labour movement without mentioning his deselection or appeal.
It stated: “Wednesday morning, strange times we live in. I have lived in Thanet since 1977 in which time there have been 12 general elections, on each occasion I have canvassed to get a Labour MP.
“Since 1983, up to this year, my Margate MP has been (Sir) Roger Gale.
“This year, I campaigned alongside Polly Billington to get her elected. Three months later I am told I do NOT qualify to be a Labour councillor. Answers on a postcard, please.”
Rumours about tensions between Cllr Lewis and the local Labour Party have been growing louder in recent months.
Cllr Lewis has outspoken views on the Thanet Parkway rail station project, which he vigorously opposed, and called for better repairs to Kent’s potholed roads.
Most recently he has led a campaign to try to save the Millmead family centre in the town which is under threat of closure by KCC in order to save money.
The Margate division has been a close, two horse race between the Labour and the Conservatives in the past two elections since 2017.
In 2021, Cllr Lewis was returned to County Hall with a 2% majority.
However, it is understood Reform UK, which has vowed it is “coming for Labour”, will be eyeing up the seat as a potentially winnable next May.
The party, led by Nigel Farage, guesses the left of centre vote may split because of Cllr Lewis’s personal popularity, leaving a dogfight between the Conservatives and Reform UK.
Cllr Lewis said: “I have taken legal advice and I am unable to say anything until the appeal has been decided. “
A spokesman for the Labour Party in the south-east said: “We do not comment on individual cases.”
