Reform's youngest leader now running two councils

1 hour ago

Simon GilbertPolitical Reporter, Coventry and Warwickshire

News image — Teenager George Finch has become leader of a second Warwickshire council after Reform's success in the local elections

BBC George Finch stands outside the entrance to Warwickshire County Council. He wears a striped suit and a blue tie and is smiling at the camera. He is clean shaven and has short dark hair. — Teenager George Finch has become leader of a second Warwickshire council after Reform's success in the local elections

The youngest council leader in the UK has taken on the top role at a second council.

Reform UK's George Finch, 19, the leader of Warwickshire County Council, was voted in as leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council on Wednesday evening.

With backing from Conservative councillors, he saw off opposition from Labour Group leader Brady Hughes, who presented him with a Ladybird book about climate change as a "gift" for his victory.

Finch responded by suggesting it would be "the first thing on the bonfire" when Reform looks to reshape the council.

George Finch holds a Ladybird Book on Climate Change in a meeting of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. He is wearing a blue suit and striped red and blue tie and is standing. There are numerous councillors sitting facing Finch in the room with their backs to the camera. One man to the left is facing the camera and is sat next to Finch. He has grey hair and is smiling. — George Finch was presented with a "gift" from Labour after being voted in as leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

Speaking following his election to the role of leader, Finch said: "The Borough Council needs drastic change."

He added: "We are going to put the people of Nuneaton and Bedworth first. We're going to put veterans, young care leavers and the most vulnerable first on our lists of priorities, not people who have come from outside of the Borough."

He was interrupted by Labour councillor Caroline Phillips, who branded him "ignorant" for his remarks. She added: "Everything he said is already being done."

When he was able to continue, Finch added he wanted to ensure that "people with medieval attitudes are not just housed in HMOs [houses in multiple occupancy] without any documentation of where they are or what they are doing. I am wanting to protect our women and girls."

Those comments prompted Phillips to interrupt again and leave her seat as she shouted: "Don't ever protect me, I don't need your lot protecting me."

Brady Hughes stands in the chamber of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. She has blonde shoulder length hair and is wearing a dark cardigan and glasses. She is surrounded by councillors who are seated and some have their backs to the camera. — Labour Group leader Brady Hughes lost the leadership contest to Reform's George Finch after the Conservative councillors sided with Reform

Green councillor Michelle Kondakor had earlier expressed her concern about Finch taking on the leadership alongside his existing role at Warwickshire County Council, suggesting it was a "full time commitment".

It is the first time in the history of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council that someone has occupied both leadership roles on a permanent basis.

Reform is the largest group on Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council following the recent local elections but there is no overall control of the council, meaning parties need to work together or abstain for decisions to be made.

Reform has 15 seats on the council, Labour has 11, the Conservatives have nine and the Green Party has three.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.