The recently elected leader of Warwickshire County Council has resigned, leaving his 18-year-old deputy in charge. Reform UK councillor Rob Howard released a short statement in which he said he had made the decision with "much regret". Howard was elected in May, when Reform made unprecedented gains in the local elections, becoming the largest party in Warwickshire and forming a minority administration. The outgoing leader cited his health as the reason for his decision, adding: "The role of leader is an extremely demanding role and regretfully my health challenges now prevent me from carrying out the role to the level and standard that I would wish." He also confirmed that his current deputy, George Finch, would serve as interim leader until the council confirmed a new leader in due course. Speaking to the BBC earlier this month, Howard said he was "not intimidated" by the challenge of running a local authority with £1.5bn of assets and a revenue budget of about £500m. Despite resigning the top job with immediate effect, Howard confirmed he would be staying on as a county councillor. "I am honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time. I remain committed to my continued role working as a county councillor for the benefit of Warwickshire residents," he said. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire onBBC Sounds,Facebook,XandInstagram.
Council boss quits, leaving 18-year-old in charge
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"Warwickshire County Council Leader Resigns, Deputy Takes Interim Role"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Rob Howard, the recently elected leader of Warwickshire County Council, has announced his resignation, citing health challenges that prevent him from fulfilling the demanding role to the standard he desires. Howard, who was elected in May after Reform UK made significant gains in local elections, expressed his decision with much regret. Under his leadership, Reform UK became the largest party in Warwickshire and established a minority administration. Despite stepping down from the leadership position, Howard confirmed that he will continue to serve as a county councillor, emphasizing his commitment to working for the benefit of Warwickshire residents. He stated, 'I am honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time.'
With Howard's resignation taking effect immediately, his 18-year-old deputy, George Finch, will step in as interim leader until a new leader is appointed by the council. Howard had previously conveyed confidence in managing the responsibilities associated with overseeing a local authority with substantial assets and a significant revenue budget. His abrupt departure raises questions about the transition in leadership and the future direction of the council, especially given the recent political shifts that brought Reform UK to prominence in the region. The council now faces the challenge of finding a new leader who can navigate the complexities of local governance while maintaining the momentum established during Howard's brief tenure.
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