Ashby councillor is new leader of Leicestershire County Council as Reform UK ends Tory control

By Hannah Richardson 12th May 2025

Ashby councillor Dan Harrison. Photo: Ashby Nub News
Ashby councillor Dan Harrison. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Ashby-based Dan Harrison is the new leader of Leicestershire County Council.

Reform UK has today (Monday) chosen its new leader for Leicestershire. The party became the biggest group on Leicestershire County Council at the local elections earlier this month, securing 25 of the authority's 55 seats.

Its victory meant the end of more than two decades of continuous Conservative leadership in the county.

However, the group did not secure enough seats to take overall control of the council.

It will lead the authority from a minority position after both the Tories and Liberal Democrats – who secured 15 and 11 seats respectively – ruled out doing a deal.

Now, more than a week on from the vote, Reform UK has revealed that Cllr Harrison will be leading the group and, by extension, is set to be the new leader of the council.

Cllr Harrison, who was elected to represent the Ashby ward, has been an elected member of the county council since 2017 and previously sat as a Conservative on the authority.

He defected to Reform in the months before this year's vote.

Cllr Harrison said: "It's an honour and a privilege to have been elected leader of the Reform UK group on Leicestershire County Council.

Whitwick councillor Joseph Boam is county council's new deputy leader. Photo: LDRS

"What we have achieved here is incredible.

"From a standing start we are now the largest party on the council.

"The people of Leicestershire have given this council a clear mandate for serious change."

His deputy on the authority will be Joseph Boam, the new councillor for Whitwick. The authority will meet for the first time since the election on Wednesday (May 14) to formally appoint its new leader and cabinet.

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
ashby vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: ashby jobs

     

The Ball is in your court. Our long-term GOAL
is to help our local community to grow.

On our part, we are making a connection between local news, local people and local businesses.
This connection is the key to community success.

Now the ball is in your court.
You can support us with a small payment or at least read us for free.
Take a shot yourself and then pass the ball to your friends!
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide ashby with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Ashby. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience