**A Shift in Power**: Reform UK's Rob Howard Takes Leadership of Warwickshire County Council

In a significant political shift, Warwickshire County Council has selected Councillor Rob Howard of the Reform UK party as its new leader, following local elections held earlier this month. The annual general meeting on Friday marked a pivotal point for the council, despite Howard’s absence due to prior commitments. The latest council composition features 23 Reform UK councillors, along with 14 Liberal Democrats, 9 Conservatives, 7 Greens, 3 Labour members, and 1 from Whitnash Residents Association, totaling 57 councillors. With no party securing the necessary 29 seats for outright control, the Reform UK group leveraged its status as the largest faction to influence the leadership decision.

Howard’s nomination came from Deputy Group Leader George Finch and Councillor Michael Bannister, marking a clean sweep for Reform UK, as alternative nominations for Liberal Democrat Councillor Jerry Roodhouse and Green Councillor Jonathan Chilvers were ultimately unsuccessful. In a decisive vote, Howard garnered 28 votes, overshadowing Roodhouse’s 15 and Chilvers’ 10, with one abstention noted. Additionally, the meeting concluded with the election of Councillor Edward Harris as the new chair, alongside Conservative Councillor Dale Keeling as vice-chair. Harris’ responsibilities will entail chairing meetings every six weeks and representing the council at public events. This leadership change underscores Reform UK’s growing influence within local governance in Warwickshire.