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

Social Worker- Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner