A Reform UK-led county council has served its residents a “plate of chaos” from the start of its leadership, according to its Conservative opposition, after its 22-year-old deputy leader was removed three months into the job.
Joseph Boam, elected in May as a Reform councillor for Leicestershire county council, had also been stripped of his cabinet brief for adult social care and communities, said the leader of the Leicestershire Conservatives, Deborah Taylor.
The Guardian understands that Boam was removed because of a clash with the council’s Reform leader, Dan Harrison, stemming from differences of opinion.
Despite this, Boam said “nothing’s changed” and vowed to keep fighting for his constituents and for Nigel Farage to become prime minister.
Taylor said the Reform administration had “lacked leadership and direction from the very start” and accused it of delivering instability, poor judgment and “revolving-door appointments”.
“The Reform administration at Leicestershire county council has lacked leadership and direction from the very start,” Taylor said. “So it comes as no surprise to us that councillor Joseph Boam has been shown the door after just three months as deputy leader of Leicestershire county council and cabinet lead member for adults.
“Frankly, he was wholly unqualified for such a critical role and lacked the experience or judgment to bring anything of value to the position.
“Adult social care and communities is one of the most important and challenging portfolios in local government. It requires steady hands, long-term commitment and a depth of understanding. What it has been given instead is instability, poor judgment, and revolving-door appointments.
“At a time when Leicestershire needs stability, vision, and experienced leadership more than ever, residents are being served a plate of chaos. Reform promised change, what they’re delivering is a shambles.”
A Reform UK source said: “Joseph deserves thanks for his role in helping to establish the Reform group at Leicestershire county council and we wish him well as he moves into a new role where he will continue to support the group’s efforts at County Hall.”
Reform won 25 out of the 55 seats on the council and formed a minority administration after the local elections in May, seizing control from the Tories.
Boam was not the youngest Reform councillor with a senior county council position. In Warwickshire county council, 19-year-old George Finch is leader.
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