Warwickshire Council Leader Resigns, 18-Year-Old Deputy Takes Interim Charge

Rob Howard, the recently elected leader of Warwickshire County Council from Reform UK, resigned after just five weeks in the role due to health challenges that prevented him from fulfilling his duties to the desired standard. His resignation leaves his 18-year-old deputy, George Finch, who recently switched from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, as the interim leader responsible for managing a council with assets exceeding £1.5 billion and a budget of around £500 million. Despite stepping down from leadership, Howard remains committed to serving as a county councillor for Warwickshire residents. Finch has pledged to maintain stability until a permanent leader is appointed, affirming the council's ongoing mission to deliver results for its constituents. This leadership change follows Reform UK's emergence as the largest party in Warwickshire, forming a minority administration after the May local elections, though the party fell short of an outright majority. The situation reflects ongoing challenges within Reform UK, as other councillors have also resigned or defected following the party's electoral surge.