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

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Chief Executive

Westmorland and Furness Council
£188,227
Join us on our journey Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director, Local Government Reform and Devolution

Essex County Council
Up to £150,612pa
Shape the Future of Essex Chelmsford, Essex/Remots
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lead Approved Mental Health Professional - WMF2213e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£56,883 - £59,198
Are you a passionate, experienced Approved Mental Health Professional Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner