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Councillor Faces Resignation Calls Over Violent WhatsApp Message

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Peter Osborne, Reform UK councillor and cabinet member for transport and highways, faces calls for resignation after a WhatsApp message expressing a desire to "punch" a colleague.
The message arose during discussions about a leaked video showing Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran in a heated exchange.
Osborne claimed his comment stemmed from frustration, not malice.
Opposition leader Antony Hook described the message as shocking and demanded Osborne's resignation.

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Story summary

Peter Osborne, Reform UK councillor and cabinet member for transport and highways, faces calls for resignation after a WhatsApp message expressing a desire to "punch" a colleague.
The message arose during discussions about a leaked video showing Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran in a heated exchange.
Osborne claimed his comment stemmed from frustration, not malice.
Opposition leader Antony Hook described the message as shocking and demanded Osborne's resignation.