Diane Morton RMN is a Registered Mental Health Nurse with more than 40 years of experience across healthcare, adult social care, public health, business and local government. In May 2025, she became the first Reform UK councillor elected to Kent County Council and was subsequently appointed Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, overseeing a combined gross budget of more than £1 billion, one of the largest local authority portfolios of its kind in the United Kingdom.

Diane currently serves as Chair of the Reform UK Adult Social Care Network, helping to shape policy and promote innovation in adult social care nationally. She is also a Peer with the Local Government Association (LGA) and Lead on the Health and Wellbeing board ,she mentors others seeking improvement and the sharing of best practice across local government.

Throughout her career, Diane has built a reputation for being practical, hardworking and focused on delivering positive outcomes for residents. Her professional background spans frontline nursing, community interest companies , mental health support, counselling, complementary therapies and senior leadership roles, providing her with a deep understanding of the challenges facing local communities, the NHS and adult social care services.

A passionate advocate for mental health, suicide prevention and recovery, Diane established Care and Support After Suicide, a community support group offering understanding, companionship and practical support to individuals and families affected by suicide. Inspired by the loss of her father and the son of a close friend, she has worked to ensure that those facing similar experiences are not left to cope alone. Her extensive work with people affected by substance misuse, combined with experiences observing innovative recovery approaches in Sweden and supporting recovery services in Kent, inspired her to become a Trustee of the Kenward Trust, helping individuals affected by addiction rebuild their lives and achieve long-term recovery.

Alongside her public service career, Diane has successfully owned and managed several businesses and founded community enterprises that have helped people develop skills, gain confidence and access employment opportunities. She remains committed to building stronger communities, improving public services and supporting vulnerable people to achieve their full potential.