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

Lead Service Designer

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539
Are you passionate about transforming services and enhancing user experiences? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lead Service Designer

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539
Are you passionate about transforming services and enhancing user experiences? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lead Service Designer

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539
Are you passionate about transforming services and enhancing user experiences? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lead Service Designer

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539
Are you passionate about transforming services and enhancing user experiences? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Private Housing Standards Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£34,433 - £38,220 pro rata per annum
We are looking for a Private Housing Standards Officer, who will protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner