Chaos ensues in local governance as a 22-year-old council leader is dismisses after merely three months in office
Joseph Boam, the Reform UK deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, has been replaced in his role after just three months. The move comes as the Reform-led council, which won 25 out of the 55 seats in the local elections in May, faces criticism for instability and poor judgment.
According to reports, Boam was removed primarily because council leaders and his Reform UK party colleagues judged that he was "not up to the job" and was "struggling with the demanding role," particularly his responsibilities in adult social care. The removal had the overwhelming backing of the Reform group, and Boam was offered a less senior support role instead.
Boam himself has not publicly confirmed whether he was sacked but indicated he would continue serving as a councillor and take a cabinet support role. The vacant Adult Social Care and Communities portfolio, one of the most important and challenging portfolios in local government, is now left without a lead member.
The head of the opposition, Deborah Taylor (from the Conservatives), criticized Boam, stating he was unqualified, lacked experience, and lacked judgment for his critical role. Taylor described the Reform administration as chaotic and lacking leadership, with some claiming Boam was wholly unqualified and lacked the experience or judgment necessary for the deputy leader post.
Boam, who represents the councillor for Whitwick in North West Leicestershire, said in a statement posted online that nothing has changed and he will continue to fight for Whitwick at County Hall. Despite the change in leadership, the Reform UK group maintains its presence at Leicestershire County Council.
It is not specified why Boam was 'sacked' from his positions in the Leicestershire County Council. However, an earlier investigation found Boam had shared homophobic, sexist, and Islamophobic social media posts, but party sources indicated his removal was not due to wrongdoing.
The current leader of Warwickshire County Council is George Finch, who is 19 years old and holds a senior county council position, younger than Joseph Boam. The situation at Leicestershire County Council raises questions about the readiness and competence of new political leaders taking on challenging roles in local government.
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