Izzy Lepone 26 June 2025

Reform council leader resigns leaving teenager in charge

Reform council leader resigns leaving teenager in charge image
Cllr Rob Howard, the Reform UK leader of Warwickshire County Council. © Warwickshire County Council

A Reform UK councillor has stepped down from his role as Warwickshire County Council leader due to health challenges, leaving 18-year-old deputy in charge.

Cllr Rob Howard yesterday resigned from the position after being elected in May, when Reform UK’s local election success saw the party form a minority administration in Warwickshire.

In a statement explaining his decision, Cllr Howard expressed his regret about the resignation, and said he is ‘honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time’.

‘The role of Leader is an extremely demanding role and regretfully my health challenges now prevent me from carrying out the role to the level and standard that I would wish’, he said.

‘I remain committed to my continued role working as a county councillor for the benefit of Warwickshire residents’, he added.

Until a new leader is appointed, the local authority has confirmed that Cllr Howard will be temporarily replaced by his deputy, 18-year-old George Finch, councillor for Bedworth Central.

To learn more about Reform UK, check out: Reform UK: What Britain’s fastest rising party stands for.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer)

Somerset Council
Competitive, with a package commensurate with experience
A career-defining leadership role in one of England’s most important new unitary authorities Somerset / Hybrid (2–3 days per week on site on average)
Recuriter: Somerset Council

Senior Scientific Officer

Barnet London Borough Council
Grade I £42,771 - £46,968
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces... Barnet (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Barnet London Borough Council

Transformation project manager (children, education & families)

Oxfordshire County Council
£46142 - £49282
About you Are you skilled at bringing people together? Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? We’re looking for an experienced Project Manager to drive delivery of our new Education & Inclusion Strategy in partnershi County Hall as primary office base, with hybrid wo
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Pensions Officer – Payroll, Payments and Projects

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37,602- £45,564 per year (starting salary depen
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Child Practitioner - Kinship Matters Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£38220 - £40777
About UsTheKinshipMatte... Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner