Reform UK’s local government ambitions are unravelling as deputy leaders across multiple councils have been removed or resigned after just three months in post, sparking accusations of “chaos,” “shambles,” and “civil war” from opposition politicians.
Joseph Boam, the 22-year-old deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, has been removed from his position and stripped of his cabinet role for adult social care, with council leader Dan Harrison reportedly “sacking” him over the weekend. The dismissal comes amid controversy over Boam’s social media history, which included homophobic, sexist, and Islamophobic posts.
In a parallel crisis, David Taylor, deputy leader of Worcestershire County Council, resigned from his position yesterday, though he will remain in cabinet. Both departures occurred exactly three months after Reform UK took control of the councils following May’s local elections.
The removals have prompted fierce criticism from Conservative opposition leaders, with Leicestershire’s Deborah Taylor declaring that residents are being “served a plate of chaos” and Worcestershire’s Adam Kent describing the situation as “nothing short of chaos at the top.”
Leicestershire’s Social Media Scandal
Boam’s removal follows an investigation by the Leicester Gazette that uncovered controversial social media posts, including regular reposts of Andrew Tate content and messages describing another user as a “fat fucking pansexual immigrant.” In one post, Boam claimed “Depression isn’t real,” particularly concerning given his responsibility for adult social care.
Despite his removal, Boam posted on social media: “Despite the recent news, nothing’s changed. I’ll keep fighting for Whitwick at County Hall and doing everything I can to help get a Reform UK Government and Nigel Farage as our next Prime Minister.
Deborah Taylor, Conservative leader of the opposition at Leicestershire County Council, said she found out about Boam’s removal through social media, criticising the lack of transparency. “The Reform Administration at Leicestershire County Council has lacked leadership and direction from the very start,” she wrote.
She added: “Frankly, he was wholly unqualified for such a critical role and lacked the experience or judgement to bring anything of value to the position. Residents deserve an administration which offers strong leadership to the County Council, instead we have a Cabinet which is so divided the Leader and Deputy Leader couldn’t work together just 14 weeks after taking charge.”
Pattern of Instability
The turmoil extends beyond deputy leaders. In June, Rob Howard stepped down as leader of Warwickshire County Council after just 41 days, citing health reasons, though council sources suggested factional disputes. He was replaced by 19-year-old George Finch, now the UK’s youngest council leader, who oversees a budget of £500 million.
Hope Not Hate director Georgie Laming commented on Boam’s removal: “Reform UK have been framing Joseph Boam as a rising star in the party, posing for photos with Farage and posting content of himself enthusiastically campaigning across the country. In reality, Boam is an Andrew Tate megafan who was never fit to represent the people of Leicestershire in the first place.”
Local MPs have also weighed in, with Labour’s Amanda Hack stating: “Just three months after taking minority control of Leicestershire County Council, residents are already facing instability.” Conservative MP Luke Evans questioned: “There are big questions to be answered about what is happening with social care here in Leicestershire, and now it appears that the lead member for adult social care has been stripped of his portfolio and position as deputy. Why?”
Worcestershire’s “Civil War”
In Worcestershire, David Taylor’s resignation has prompted similar criticism. Conservative group leader Adam Kent said: “Reform promised strong leadership – instead, residents are being subjected to civil war in their ranks, resignations, and bitter infighting.”
He added: “At a time when Worcestershire faces the biggest decisions in a generation with Local Government Reorganisation, the county is being run by a group who are more interested in fighting among themselves than delivering for local people. This is a crisis of leadership. Reform are proving every day that they are not capable of running the council.”
Council leader Joanne Monk confirmed Taylor’s departure, stating: “I can confirm that Councillor David Taylor has made the decision to step down as deputy leader. David will continue to be a part of the leadership team in his role as cabinet member for One Worcestershire which covers local government reorganisation.”
Youth and Inexperience
The appointments of young councillors to senior positions has raised concerns about experience and competence. Besides Boam at 22, Leicestershire has Charles Pugsley, 19, overseeing children and family services while still at university. Warwickshire’s George Finch became leader at 19, still living at home and unable to drive.
The British Association of Social Workers described these roles as “very important,” overseeing hundreds of millions of pounds in spending. Chairwoman Julia Ross said candidates should be experienced in running complex departments and have knowledge of their duties supporting vulnerable people.
Green Party leader Zak Firth criticised the lack of transparency: “This is not how a council should communicate important developments, and it is certainly not the way to demonstrate leadership. Such a lack of transparency creates confusion for councillors, staff, and residents alike.”
Reform’s Response
Despite the turmoil, Reform UK has attempted to present a united front. A party source said of Boam: “Joseph deserves thanks for his role in helping to establish the Reform Group at Leicestershire County Council and we wish him well as he moves into a new role where he will continue to support the group’s efforts at County Hall.”
The source claimed Boam had been offered a “cabinet support role” and that his removal was due to “inner machinations” within the group rather than wrongdoing. However, local sources indicated that council leader Dan Harrison had grown frustrated with Boam’s “lack of commitment” to his role.
Minority Administrations Under Pressure
Both Leicestershire and Worcestershire councils are run as minority administrations, with Reform holding 25 of 55 seats in Leicestershire and requiring support from other parties to govern. This fragile position has been exposed by the internal disputes and resignations.
The pattern of instability across Reform-controlled councils raises questions about the party’s readiness for governance. Having secured control of 10 councils in May’s local elections, the party is now facing criticism that it lacks the experience and unity necessary to run complex local authorities with multi-million pound budgets.
As Deborah Taylor concluded: “Leicestershire deserves better. At a time when Leicestershire needs stability, vision, and experienced leadership more than ever, residents are being served a plate of chaos. Reform promised change, what they’re delivering is a shambles.”
The crisis shows no signs of abating, with opposition parties questioning whether Reform’s leaders can maintain control and deliver the services residents expect. With crucial decisions on adult social care, children’s services, and local government reorganisation hanging in the balance, the stakes for effective governance have never been higher.
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