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

Trainee Sheltered Housing Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510- £36,969 per annum
The London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of a team who work together in a ground-breaking shared staffing structure across both boroughs. Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Team Manager

Oxfordshire County Council
£50,269 - £53,460
About Us Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Early Help, Assessment and Prevention Directorate, we’re committed to del Abingdon
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Finance Business Partner (Qualified)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Provide expert financial strategy and insight to shape our services and build a fairer boroughProvide expert financial strategy and insight to shape o England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Service Improvement Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Applications are invited for a Service Improvement Support Officer within the Adult and Health Services Development and Learning Team. The position is Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner