George Finch becomes Britain’s youngest council leader as health-stricken chief abandons ship – leaving teenager to run authority with half-billion pound budget
An 18-year-old who only spent three months in the Conservative Party before defecting has been left in charge of a £1.5billion council after his Reform UK boss dramatically quit after just 41 days in the job.
George Finch, who once boasted about playing rugby since the age of four, now finds himself at the helm of Warwickshire County Council following the shock resignation of leader Rob Howard, who cited health problems for his sudden departure.
The teenager – who serves as cabinet member for Children & Families despite barely being out of childhood himself – will take control of a local authority managing assets worth £1.5billion and an annual revenue budget of around £500million.
The extraordinary turn of events has left opposition parties crying foul, with Liberal Democrats branding the situation an example of “instability” and warning it comes at the worst possible time for crucial services.
Teen With Big Ambitions
In a revealing profile on Reform UK website The New Reformer, young Finch laid bare his political ambitions, declaring: “I’m not going to hide my ambition, which is to serve the people of the UK and if that’s through becoming an MP and representing constituents, advocating for their needs and wants in society.
The teenager, who represents Bedworth Central ward, summed up his political beliefs in stark terms: “Brexit, sovereignty, strong military and most importantly a strong and united family unit.
He proudly boasted: “My main principles are having integrity, honesty and respect. Too many people in today’s society lack these qualities, with these qualities one can push for anything in life.”
The youngster even claimed his early years on the rugby pitch had given him “great team building skills and leadership skills” – qualities he’ll certainly need managing a council with 57 councillors and thousands of staff.
Three-Month Tory
Finch’s political journey has been nothing if not swift. He spent just three months as a Conservative Party member before jumping ship to Reform UK, later claiming on social media he was “kicked out” of the Tories.
In videos posted online, he explained his frustration with the Conservatives, saying he “saw illegal immigration” as a key issue that drove him to Nigel Farage’s party.
The teenager had previously served as a Youth Councillor for Nuneaton and Bedworth, where he said the work to “advocate for the youth is astronomical” and gave him “such pride.”
He’s been a prolific contributor to The New Reformer website, penning articles with provocative titles like “Project 2029 – dismantling the woke state” and “Since When Is It Divisive to Be British?”
41 Days of Chaos
Howard’s resignation after just 41 days in charge has sent shockwaves through Warwickshire politics. The Reform UK councillor had boldly declared he was “not intimidated” by running the massive local authority when he took charge on May 16.
But yesterday he dramatically threw in the towel, admitting: “This has been a very difficult decision to take. 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.
He added somewhat forlornly: “I am honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time.”
Howard will remain as a councillor for Attleborough in Nuneaton, leaving his teenage deputy to pick up the pieces.
Minority Rule Drama
The drama deepens because Reform UK doesn’t actually have a majority on the council. Despite becoming the largest party with 23 seats in May’s local elections, they fell short of the 29 needed for outright control.
Howard had managed to secure the leadership with support from Conservative councillors – winning 28 votes against Liberal Democrat Jerry Roodhouse’s 15 and Green Jonathan Chilvers’ 10.
Now Finch faces the daunting task of maintaining that fragile coalition while steering the council through major challenges including special educational needs provision, adult social care and significant highways projects.
Opposition Fury
Liberal Democrat councillor Jerry Roodhouse didn’t mince his words about the chaos, declaring Howard’s resignation “regrettable, coming so soon after taking it on.”
He warned: “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.
The criticism highlights the precarious position young Finch finds himself in – thrust into running a major local authority at an age when most of his peers are worried about A-levels or university applications.
Steady Hands?
Despite the turmoil, Finch struck a confident tone in his first statement as interim leader, insisting he would ensure the council was in “steady hands” until a permanent replacement is found.
“I extend my gratitude to Cllr Howard for his service to Warwickshire,” he said. “I understand his reasons for taking the decision he has and look forward to working with him in the future.”
He added with youthful optimism: “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.”
Historic First
The appointment makes Finch likely the youngest council leader in British history, though the “interim” tag means his tenure could be brief if Reform councillors select a more experienced replacement.
Warwickshire County Council has alternated between Conservative control and no overall control since its establishment in 1974, making Reform’s rise to become the largest party a seismic shift in local politics.
But whether an 18-year-old with minimal political experience can successfully navigate the complex world of local government – with its multi-million pound budgets, statutory responsibilities and political minefields – remains to be seen.
As one council source put it: “Running a major local authority isn’t child’s play – though in this case, it might have to be.
For now, the teenager who proudly declares that those with “the strongest shoulder in society must support and help others” has the weight of Warwickshire on his young shoulders.
Time will tell if those rugby-honed leadership skills are enough to tackle the enormous challenges ahead.
