Reform council boss explains why he removed deputy

The Reform UK leader of Leicestershire County Council has said his former deputy was removed from the job after finding it "too much" to handle.

Joseph Boam, 22, was removed after three months in the role, also losing his position as cabinet member for adult social care.

Leader Dan Harrison told the BBC Boam had approached him about "difficulties" with the job.

Boam denied the role was "too much" and said he did not agree to being removed.

Boam was one of 25 Reform councillors elected to the authority in May, allowing it to form a minority administration.

In an interview on Friday, Harrison said: "He came to me about some of the difficulties and I accelerated that."

"It was a very big job and ended up with it being probably too big a job for him to deal with, and it was as simple as that."

Asked if Boam was sacked, Harrison said the pair "had a conversation".

He added: "He's a good guy and he's got a great future ahead of him."

The leader also denied rumours that he and Boam had disagreed on matters relating to local government reorganisation and the use of AI within the council chamber.

On Thursday, the county council confirmed two new appointments to the cabinet.

Kevin Crook, councillor for Glenfields, Kirby Muxloe and Leicester Forests - and a former Markfield parish councillor - is the council's new deputy leader.

The role of cabinet member for adult social care has gone to Carl Abbott, who represents Stoney Stanton and Croft.

The Leicestershire Conservative group - the main opposition on the authority after it lost control of the council in May - previously branded Reform UK's local leadership a "shambles".

Michael Mullaney, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at the authority, said Reform UK's reshuffle was "chaotic".

Harrison said Boam's former position was "an important role" and needed to be addressed quickly.

"I'm not going to sit back and allow things that are not appropriate, I'm going to to act," he added.

Harrison also called the reshuffle a "big non-event".

Harrison said he had the challenge of forming a cabinet quickly, with newly elected members who "didn't really understand politics".

"We're getting the best possible team there to get the best possible results for the people of Leicestershire," he said.

Asked if he was finding the role difficult, Harrison said: "No. I'm enjoying it."

Crook, the new deputy leader, said he was "excited, nervous but looking forward" to the role.

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