Izzy Lepone 23 July 2025

Country’s youngest council leader appointed

Country’s youngest council leader appointed image
Shire Hall, Warwickshire. © Warwickshire County Council.

A Reform UK councillor has been confirmed as the country’s youngest permanent council leader.

Councillor George Finch,19, was yesterday elected as the full-time leader of Warwickshire County Council.

The election saw the Conservative members abstain from voting in the final round, resulting in a tie between Cllr Finch and Liberal Democrat councillor, Jerry Roodhouse, with the council chairman, Reform’s Edward Harris placing the tie-breaking vote, the BBC reported.

Cllr Finch took over as interim leader after Cllr Rob Howard resigned last month due to health reasons.

Following his appointment, Cllr Finch will lead a council with assets totalling at roughly £1.5bn and a budget of an estimated £500m.

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership image

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership

Age should never define leadership in local government, says Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of Solace. Instead, councils should invest in inclusive, skills-based development for officers and councillors to deliver effective public services.
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