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 Finance - Children & Young People’s Service

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
£75,585 - £80,726 (pay award pending)
This is a great place to work for people who want to make a real difference. Riverside House, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

MSK Specialist Instructor

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
We are seeking a passionate and skilled MSK (Musculo-skeletal) Specialist Instructor to join our team Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus)

North Yorkshire Council
£55k plus up to 10% recruitment payment
A Commercial Role – Powered by Public Sector Strength Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Health and Safety Advisor

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9) pay award pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Health and Safety for a Health and Safety Advisor. This post is temporary to cover a period of maternity le Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Street Lighting Highways Operative

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 (pay award pending)
Highways Services are looking for a Highways Operative (Street Lighting). To ensure the efficient and effective undertaking of civil engineering activ Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner