Overview

• George Finch, 18, won a public apology from Shadow Communities Secretary Kevin Hollinrake after his comments on the teenager’s competence drew rebuke at a Local Government Association conference.
• Finch assumed the acting leadership of Warwickshire County Council in June following Rob Howard’s abrupt resignation and now oversees a £500 million budget and £1.5 billion in assets.
• In Leicestershire, 19-year-old Charles Pugsley was appointed cabinet member for children and family services while 22-year-old Joseph Boam became deputy council leader with responsibility for adult social care.
• Boam has rejected claims from campaign group Hope Not Hate that he praised Andrew Tate and denied depression on social media, calling the allegations “fake news,” even as councillors press for an inquiry.
• The British Association of Social Workers and opposition figures warn that these youthful leaders may lack the necessary life and professional experience to manage trauma-sensitive and legally mandated services.