Reform UK’s Local Election Success Leads to Young Councillors Overseeing Key Services
Reform UK’s recent local election victories have resulted in teenagers and young adults taking charge of essential public services, including a 19-year-old managing children and family services while still completing his degree.
Two months after Nigel Farage’s party gained control of 10 councils, questions have been raised about the readiness of some newly appointed councillors for roles requiring significant responsibility.
At Leicestershire County Council, 19-year-old Reform councillor Charles Pugsley has been assigned to lead children and family services. His appointment, along with that of 22-year-old Joseph Boam—now deputy council leader with responsibility for adult social care—has drawn scrutiny. Boam had previously claimed that “depression isn’t real,” raising concerns about his suitability for the role.
Both support a Reform policy banning community symbols, such as Pride and disability pride flags, from council buildings. More than 100 social workers and staff have opposed the policy, calling it exclusionary.
Hope Not Hate, an organization monitoring extremism, found that an account linked to Boam had shared content praising the controversial figure Andrew Tate before being deleted. The same account had also dismissed depression as unreal, prompting councillors to voice their unease to Reform’s local leadership. Boam has denied the claims, calling them “fake news.”
Similar concerns were raised about 18-year-old George Finch, who became interim leader of Warwickshire County Council shortly after finishing secondary school.
The lack of experience among these councillors has caused apprehension across political lines. Deborah Taylor, opposition leader and former cabinet member for children’s services in Leicestershire, questioned whether they were prepared to oversee departments handling more than 70% of the council’s £616m budget.
“I support young councillors, but they need guidance, not immediate high-pressure roles involving trauma and tough decisions,” she said. “Experience matters—whether from work, personal background, or other responsibilities.”
Council social workers shared these concerns, acknowledging that some services are protected by law but warning that discretionary spending, such as family support programs, could be at risk.
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