A Reform UK-led county council has served its residents a “plate of chaos” from the start of its leadership, its Conservative opposition has said.
It comes after the council’s 22-year-old deputy leader, Joseph Boam, was sacked after just three months into the role.
Boam was elected in May as one of 25 Reform councillors elected to Leicestershire County Council in May’s local elections.
He has also been stripped of his cabinet brief for adult social care and communities, the leader of Leicestershire Conservatives, Deborah Taylor said.
Boam was removed because of a clash with the council’s Reform leader, Dan Harrison, stemming from differences of opinion, according to The Guardian.
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."
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. Joseph Boam - NWL Reform (@Joseph_Boam) August 17, 2025
Taylor said that it came as “no surprise” that Boam had been removed from his role after just three months, saying he was “wholly unqualified” and “lacked the experience or judgment to bring anything of value to the position.”
She said Reform had “lacked leadership and direction” from the start and accused it of delivering instability, poor judgement and “revolving-door appointments”.
Taylor added: “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.”
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.”
