A "dark day for democracy" was how the opposition reacted to Cllr George Finch's appointment as the permanent leader of Warwickshire County Council (WCC).

The 19-year-old Reform councillor was today (July 22) narrowly voted in after a four-way tussle for control of the local authority which went down to the chairman's casting vote.

That was made possible by the fact the nine Conservative councillors abstained from the final vote between Cllr Finch and the Liberal Democrat's Cllr Jerry Roodhouse.

The Tories had backed Reform at the previous leadership vote in May but today changed their tune to say a new leader was needed, proffering their own leader, Cllr Adrian Warwick.

Following the vote at Shire Hall, the Lib Dems said the council now has a leader "whose focus since May has been on what flags are on council flagpoles, and who persists in publicly and aggressively criticising senior council staff".

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse came close to taking control at Shire Hall (image via Warwickshire Lib Dems)

"Liberal Democrats offered fellow councillors the choice of a Leader who would put together a progressive cabinet of portfolio holders," Cllr Roodhouse said.

"We offered the choice of a Leader who would have formed a cabinet with the capability, capacity and appetite to address the huge issues that the council faces. 

"We offered councillors the choice of a cabinet with the vision of a county that residents are proud to call home. Where people want to work and visit. 

"A county with a sustainable, natural environment that we can safely pass to future generations. 

"Instead some councillors chose a leadership that so far has shown none of the required attributes for the seriously difficult job it has to do."

Meanwhile Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western wished Cllr Finch "the best" in the "important role" but questioned his credentials in taking on the job.

"Like the public, I have severe concerns regarding the new leadership of the council," he said. 

"This is not about age but simply about experience and commitment. 

Matt Western: 'I have severe concerns regarding the new leadership of the council' (image supplied)

"Leading a council requires a deep understanding of the organisation and a willingness to dedicate a serious amount of time to the role. 

"Remember, he's also a 'full-time student'. This role is neither part-time nor one you figure out as you go along.

"In less than three months Warwickshire has had two Reform leaders. They're clearly not very decisive."

Mr Western said he has written to the new leader twice since he took interim charge but is yet to hear back.

While he did not take questions from the press, Cllr Finch did make a short address on the steps of shire hall after this morning's vote.

"I am delighted to be elected the leader of Warwickshire County Council," he said.

"The people of Warwickshire spoke on May 1, electing 22 Reform councillors.

"We are committed to honesty, integrity and respect to those residents to ensure the people of Warwickshire have the best future and the people have the best way forward."

Nub News has approached the Conservative group for comment about its decision to abstain in the final vote.