'It's a good thing' - market vendors react to 18-year-old stepping in as Warwickshire County Council leader
This week, Warwickshire County Council's leader, Cllr Rob Howard, announced he would be standing down as leader, just 41 days after being elected to the role, leaving both Warwickshire residents and councillors questioning the Council's stability.
What came as even more of a surprise is that his deputy, 18-year-old Cllr George Finch, is to fill the role as interim leader of the Council, while the party internally decides who its next group leader will be.
A council statement said that "much to his regret", Cllr Rob Howard 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.
Cllr George Finch said he had learned of Cllr Howard's decision on Wednesday, so had yet to consider whether he would put himself forward to lead the group permanently, and was adamant there had been no political disagreements behind Cllr Howard's decision, aligning with the health grounds cited in the council's statement.
In response to this news, Nub News caught up with local market vendors in Kenilworth to hear their thoughts.
One vendor said: "Presumably, there is a reason why they have let him (eighteen-year-old, Cllr George Finch) take on the role.
"It will do his credibility brilliantly and will be a good stepping stone for him to go on further.
"So for me, it's a thumbs up for him."
When asked if she thought the eighteen-year-old was slightly too young for the role, she replied: "I try not to be ageist, to be honest, as I suppose it would be really unfair for him.
"Fair play to him."
Kenilworth Nub News also spoke to vendors Matt and Nat from 'Veg Out and Get Fruity'.
Responding to the news, Nat said: "Over the last year, I think I really underestimated young people and their capabilities.
"Eighteen may be a bit young for experience, but I think it's good for fresh ideas.
"If he has somebody guiding him, then that's good.
"Eighteen-year-olds in some ways now are a lot more capable than they used to be, mentally."
Fellow vendor Matt added: "It's proven the old way hasn't been working, so I think we have to be so open-minded.
" I think it's a good thing."
Another vendor who wished to remain anonymous added: "I am shocked, I am really shocked".
"I didn't even know Reform were in power in Warwickshire.
"I'll be honest, in my dealings with the Council, I don't have much time for them.
"Now to find out Reform is in leadership is really shocking to me!"
To find out more about the changes to Warwickshire County Council, read the full story here.
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