The new Reform-led council in Warwickshire has already hit a bump in the road – its leader has quit just weeks into the job, and his replacement is… 18 years old.
Yes, really.
Reform councillor Rob Howard resigned as leader of Warwickshire County Council on Thursday, citing ongoing health issues that he says prevent him from carrying out the job properly.
🩺 Health woes force Howard to step back
Howard, who became leader after Reform’s surprising surge in May’s local elections, admitted the pressures of the role were simply too much:
“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.”
Although he’s stepping down from the top job, he’ll continue as a backbench councillor.
🧢 Meet the new boss: he’s 18
Howard’s temporary replacement is George Finch, his teenage deputy. At just 18 years old, Finch is now interim leader of Warwickshire County Council — and yes, that makes him one of the youngest people in the country to ever hold such a senior political role.
A permanent leader will be chosen in due course, but for now, Finch is holding the reins.
🗣️ “Not intimidated” by running a council
Howard had previously said he wasn’t “intimidated” by running the council, even amid mounting scrutiny over Reform’s readiness for power.
“I am honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time,” he said in his resignation statement. “I remain committed to my continued role working as a county councillor for the benefit of Warwickshire residents.”
But his sudden exit, and Finch’s promotion, are bound to spark questions about experience, preparedness – and what happens next.
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