Concerns are growing after two very young Reform UK councillors were handed control of crucial public services — while another has just been suspended amid a police matter.
Joseph Boam, 22, is now in charge of adult social care at Leicestershire County Council. And 19-year-old Charles Pugsley, still a university student, has been made cabinet member for children and family services.
🧒 Big portfolios, big questions
Critics are now asking if the pair have the experience required for such sensitive roles.
Cllr Deborah Taylor, the council’s former cabinet member for children and families, told Public Sector Weekly:
“My concern regarding the appointment of Mr Boam and Mr Pugsley is whether they possess the necessary business, organisational, or life experience to manage complex portfolios.
Adult social care and children’s services account for approximately 75% of the council’s £616 million budget.”
💻 Controversial past posts resurface
Boam has already faced criticism after Hope Not Hate uncovered old posts from a now-deleted account appearing to support misogynist influencer Andrew Tate.
He also came under fire for a resurfaced comment allegedly claiming “depression isn’t real” — prompting opposition leaders to urge him to “educate himself on mental health matters”.
🛑 Another Reform councillor suspended
Meanwhile, in Kent, Reform UK has suspended newly elected county councillor Daniel Taylor, who represented Cliftonville near Margate.
The party confirmed a matter “is now with the police” and said Taylor has had the group whip withdrawn “with immediate effect”.
Taylor will now sit as an independent.
Green councillor Mark Hood said the situation is unfair on residents:
“The people of Cliftonville did not vote for this chaos… The right thing for him to do would be to resign and trigger a by-election.”
Reform UK performed strongly in Kent’s May elections, securing 57 out of 81 seats.
