MP for Warwick and Leamington, Matt Western, has responded to the news that the Reform leader of Warwickshire County Council has stepped down from the role after only 41 days. 

The new leader of Warwickshire County Council stood down, leaving political rivals questioning whether Reform UK is "up to the task". 

A council statement said that "much to his regret", Cllr Rob Howard (Attleborough) had stepped back from his post that he took on after Reform UK secured the most seats in May's local elections.

It quotes him as citing health concerns, although he has not stood down from the council altogether. 

"This has been a very difficult decision to take," his statement read. 

"The role of leader is an extremely demanding role and regretfully, my health challenges now prevent me from carrying out the role to the level and standard that I would wish.

"I am honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time. I remain committed to my continued role working as a county councillor for the benefit of Warwickshire residents." 

Cllr Rob Howard has stepped down as leader of Warwickshire County Council (image via Reform UK)

Mr Western responded to the news stating: " It is only eight weeks since the local elections, and it appears that the Council is already descending into chaos.

"He spent the first three weeks on holiday, and it took almost a whole month for a partial cabinet to be appointed and a further two weeks for the remaining post to be filled. N

"Now we see a change of leader barely a month after initial appointment.  

"I fear that the chaotic running of the Council by Reform is leaving Warwickshire residents let down. If they can barely appoint a leader or cabinet, I highly doubt they can run a Council or address the problems that Warwickshire desperately needs sorting. 

"Residents are being disrespected and disregarded.

"Running a Council isn't a game and must be treated with the seriousness residents deserve."

He went on to highlight that the new interim Leader is the 18-year-old Deputy Leader, George Finch.

Western said that although he is "all for young people getting involved in politics and believe their voices and viewpoints are invaluable," having an 18-year-old as interim leader of the Council "risks throwing them in the deep end" and said "it will be residents who pay the price."

He added: "Running a Council with a £500 million budget is not the place to learn on the job.  

"We need serious, committed leadership and supporting Cabinet running the Council and I fear we do not have that and can well imagine the public rapidly losing confidence in their new Council. 

"Many, including myself, will await to see when they get round to appointing the new Leader and will see whether the Conservatives choose to loan them their support again."

 I am all for young people getting involved in politics and believe their voices and viewpoints are invaluable. Young people use Council services, and we need young people telling us what they and their peers need support with. However, I fear an 18-year-old as interim leader of the Council risks throwing them in the deep end and it will be residents who pay the price.  

He understandably has no experience of local Government nor running an organisation of this size and as many of us in similar circumstances would, will find it an incredibly steep learning curve with plenty of mistakes along the way. As I say, running a Council with a £500 million budget is not the place to learn on the job.  

We need serious, committed leadership and supporting Cabinet running the Council and I fear we do not have that and can well imagine the public rapidly losing confidence in their new Council. 

Many, including myself, will await to see when they get round to appointing the new Leader and will see whether the Conservatives choose to loan them their support again