Reform UK Puts Teenagers in Charge of Vital Public Services Across 10 Councils

Following Reform UK's sweeping local election victories in May, the party has appointed several teenagers to oversee critical public services, sparking widespread concern about their experience and qualifications. Among them, 19-year-old Charles Pugsley manages children and family services for Leicestershire County Council while still attending university, and 22-year-old Joseph Boam serves as deputy council leader responsible for adult social care, despite controversial past remarks questioning the reality of depression. Additionally, 18-year-old George Finch has been named interim leader of Warwickshire County Council just a year after finishing his A-levels. These young officials have defended policies that prevent the display of community emblems, including Pride and disabled people’s flags, prompting backlash from social workers and council employees who argue such policies promote exclusion and marginalization. Critics, including opposition politicians and social workers, emphasize the gravity of these roles, which oversee budgets totaling hundreds of millions of pounds, and express unease over the apparent lack of nurturing for newly elected young councillors. The controversy highlights a broader debate about balancing youthful representation and experience in managing vital public services.