The deputy leader of a Reform-led county council has left his position after just three months in the job. Cllr Joseph Boam, who was elected as a Reform councillor for Whitwick in May, has also been stripped of his role as cabinet member for adults and communities, according to Leicestershire Conservative leader Councillor Deborah Taylor.
No official reason has been given for his exit but it resulted from a clash with the council’s Reform Leader, Dan Harrison, over differences of opinion, according to the Guardian. On social media, Mr Boam, who is councillor for Whitwick in North West Leicestershire, vowed to continue working for his constituency, insisting “nothing’s changed” and he will “keep fighting”.
He wrote: “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.”
Cllr Boam denied speculation he had resigned, insisting he had not stepped down from his role and did not comment on claims he had been sacked.
He said: “I haven’t stepped down from any role.
“I am no longer deputy leader or in cabinet, but have been offered a cabinet support role which I’m inclined to take.”
A Reform UK source said: “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.”
Reform won 25 of Leicestershire County Council’s 55 seats, taking control from the Conservatives to form a minority leadership.
The leader of the main opposition to the authority, Ms Taylor, said residents are being “served a plate of chaos”, adding that Reform is delivering a “shambles”.
She said: “The Reform Administration at Leicestershire County Council has lacked leadership and direction from the very start.
“So it comes as no surprise to us that Councillor Joseph Boam has been shown the door after just three months as Deputy Leader of Leicestershire County Council and Cabinet Lead Member for Adults.
“Frankly, he was wholly unqualified for such a critical role and lacked the experience or judgment to bring anything of value to the position.
“Adult Social Care and Communities is one of the most important and challenging portfolios in local government.
“It requires steady hands, long-term commitment and a depth of understanding.
“What it has been given instead is instability, poor judgment, and revolving-door appointments.
“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.”
