The deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council has been removed from the role after three months in the job.
Reform UK’s Joseph Boam has also been removed from position as cabinet member for adult social care, with a party source saying he would now be taking on an unspecified “new role”.
The 22-year-old was one of 25 Reform councillors elected to the authority in May’s local elections.
Posting on social media on Sunday, Boam said: “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.”
County council leader Dan Harrison told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he would not comment on the matter until after the Reform group had met later this week.
According to the LDRS, Boam previously 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.”
After winning 25 of the 55 seats on the council, Reform took control from the Conservatives to form a minority administration.
A Reform UK source added: “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 Leicestershire Conservative group – the main opposition on the authority – has now branded Reform UK’s local leadership a “shambles”.
Their leader Deborah Taylor said it was “no surprise” to her Boam “has been shown the door after just three months”.
She added: “He was wholly unqualified for such a critical role and lacked the experience or judgement to bring anything of value to the position.
“Those of us who have led this council know that it takes at least six to 12 months for even the most capable new councillor to properly learn their portfolio, and that’s with the benefit of mentoring from seasoned colleagues.”
A new deputy leader and cabinet member for adult social care is expected to be appointed in due course.
