CONCERNS have been expressed Warwickshire County Council is descending into chaos following the resignation of its leader five weeks into the job – leaving an 18-year-old in charge.
Coun Rob Howard, who took up the position in May following Reform UK’s victory in the local elections, said it was a difficult decision brought about due to “health challenges”.
He continued: “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. I am honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time. I remain committed to my continued role working as a county councillor for the benefit of Warwickshire residents.”
Current deputy leader, 18-year-old Coun George Finch, will serve as interim leader until WCC confirms a new leader in due course.
Coun Finch said: “As interim leader I will ensure that this council is in steady hands until a new leader is elected by the group so that we can deliver meaningful results for Warwickshire. Our mission to deliver for residents remains unchanged.”
MP for Warwick and Leamington, Matt Western has spoken out since Coun Howard’s resignation.
He told the Observer: “I fear that the chaotic running of the council by Reform is leaving Warwickshire residents let down. If they can barely appoint a leader or cabinet, I highly doubt they can run a council or address the problems that Warwickshire desperately needs sorting. Residents are being disrespected and disregarded. Running a council isn’t a game and must be treated with the seriousness residents deserve.”
Mr Western also expressed his concerns about leaving the running of WCC temporarily in the hands of an 18-year-old.
He continued: “I am all for young people getting involved in politics and believe their voices and viewpoints are invaluable. However, I fear an 18-year-old as interim leader of the council risks throwing them in the deep end and it will be residents who pay the price.
“He understandably has no experience of local government nor running an organisation of this size and as many of us in similar circumstances would, will find it an incredibly steep learning curve with plenty of mistakes along the way. As I say, running a council with a £500 million budget is not the place to learn on the job.”
Warwickshire Liberal Democrat Group leader Coun Jerry Roodhouse added: “The instability in the leadership of the Conservative-backed Reform UK group is not good news. It’s especially unwelcome when there are so many challenges facing the council, such as Send provision, adult social care and big highways projects.”
