The Leicestershire County Council has removed its deputy leader after just three months in the role, citing difficulties with the position.
Joseph Boam, 22, lost both his role as deputy leader and his cabinet position for adult social care. Council leader Dan Harrison said Boam had approached him about challenges in handling the workload.
“He came to me about some of the difficulties and I accelerated that,” Harrison told reporters. “It was a very big job and ended up being probably too big a job for him to deal with, and it was as simple as that.”
Boam, however, denied that the role was “too much” and said he did not agree to being removed. He remains a county councillor representing Whitwick.
Boam was one of 25 Reform UK councillors elected in May, which allowed the party to form a minority administration in the county. Harrison said there was no disagreement between him and Boam on issues like local government reorganisation or the use of AI in council meetings.
On Thursday, the council confirmed two new cabinet appointments. Kevin Crook, councillor for Glenfields, Kirby Muxloe, and Leicester Forests, has been named deputy leader. Carl Abbott, representing Stoney Stanton and Croft, takes over as cabinet member for adult social care.
Harrison said Boam’s previous role was “an important role” that needed prompt action. “I’m not going to sit back and allow things that are not appropriate. I’m going to act,” he said, describing the reshuffle as “a big non-event.”
Opposition parties have criticised the move. The Leicestershire Conservative group called Reform UK’s local leadership a “shambles,” while Liberal Democrat leader Michael Mullaney described the reshuffle as “chaotic.”
Harrison said forming a cabinet quickly was challenging, given the council’s newly elected members who “didn’t really understand politics.” He added, “We’re getting the best possible team there to get the best possible results for the people of Leicestershire.”
Crook, the new deputy leader, said he was “excited, nervous but looking forward” to taking on the role. Harrison confirmed he is enjoying his leadership position and remains confident in his team.
