Leicestershire County Council has been left in leadership limbo after its under-fire boss quit the top job.

Amid mounting pressure and leaked comments that sparked much controversy, Reform UK's Councillor Dan Harrison announced on Monday (November 2) that he would be stepping down as leader of the county council.

But what led to this sudden resignation, what could happen next and what do other party leaders think should be the next steps for the council?

What led to Cllr Dan Harrison's resignation?

Cllr Harrison's decision to step down follows continued pressure from his own party, controversial comments leaked online and calls from opposition councillors for him to resign.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) originally reported that he only just had the confidence of his fellow Reform UK councillors following a party meeting last Tuesday (October 27).

After members were asked whether they were happy with his leadership, he secured a majority of just one.

Sources told the LDRS that they felt there was a "lack of direction" under Cllr Harrison's leadership, and he branded those against him as "disenchanted".

A day later, leaked comments surfaced online from the same meeting in which Cllr Harrison said he had been caught saying he would make 76 solicitors within the county council redundant, before adding that he also wanted to look "at the women".

The fallout led to Cllr Harrison being forced to apologise to county council staff for the comments he made, saying he wanted to "apologise unreservedly to the staff and officers" for the comments made during the meeting.

What did Dan Harrison say in his resignation and who takes over?

Only a few hours later, Cllr Harrison said that he had decided to step down, calling the role the "honour of [his] life".

He added: "Since then, the council has made many great achievements – the lowest increase in council tax precept in over a decade, millions of pounds of debt repaid, putting the Council's finances on a firmer footing.

"We also initiated the pioneering Efficiency Review, which will identify further areas where savings can be achieved, and services enhanced and improved in the future.

"There's still lots to be getting on with, including working with partners on making a success of the future Mayoral Strategic Authority for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland."

He also made Cllr Kevin Crook the acting leader of the county council following his departure.

What's next and what is the current political outlook at Leicestershire County Council?

Despite Cllr Crook taking over as deputy leader, the county council will still have to vote on who they wish to become leader at a future date.

No date has yet been confirmed for the meeting.

The Reform UK party currently runs a minority administration, meaning that despite being the largest group with 23 councillors, it doesn't have the required 28-seat majority to pass decisions at a full council meeting.

The other largest parties on the county council are the Conservatives, with 15 seats, and the Liberal Democrats, with 11.

Labour also has three seats, with one Green Party seat, one Restore Britain seat and one Independent seat.

The county council currently has 55 seats in total.

Opposition parties currently have far fewer seats than Reform UK; however, parties could form a coalition to form another minority or – potentially -a majority administration with enough support.

That means other parties could vote for another leader as part of an alliance or coalition to replace the Reform administration.

While that sounds good on paper and in the numbers, there are still deep political disagreements between leaders.

What has each leader said and what would they like to see happen?

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have previously made their grievances clear in meetings, with Tory leaders accusing Lib Dems of keeping the current Reform administration in power and allowing decisions to pass.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Deborah Taylor said it was "still too early" to decide what happens next.

She added: "I want to see stability back at this council, confidence in staff, and them wanting to work in a nice place, which I don't think it has been for a little while.

"I'm sure there will be lots of conversation ongoing. I'll be speaking to my group about where we go from here."

Regarding future leaders, Cllr Taylor said she wondered whether changing the person "at the top" would make a difference.

She said: "There are a lot of unanswered questions. I don't know if that group can come together.

"The last thing we need is more of that".

Regarding the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Taylor said felt the party needed to take a "good look at themselves" in what she called "propping up" the Reform administration.

Labour leader on the county council, Jewel Miah, said he felt a "rainbow coalition" between parties such as the Conservatives, Lib Dems, Labour and the Green Party was the way forward.

He said: "What I want to see is the Conservatives, Liberals and the Greens get together around the table and form an administration that will take Leicestershire forward.

"It would definitely work for the residents and our staff, so let's put our words into action.

"What you're going to get is more of the same with Reform. That group is unstable. Someone leaked comments from Cllr Harrison – what's not to say it's not going to happen again?

Cllr Miah echoed concerns raised by Cllr Taylor, saying she felt Liberal Democrat councillors were "holding together" the Reform administration.

However, Lib Dem leader, Cllr Michael Mullaney, defended his party, saying he and other councillors had opposed measures they disagreed with in the current Reform administration.

He added: "The reality is Reform has put things forward that we disagree with, and we vote them down.

"The stumbling block we had a Conservative administration for 25 years that was arrogant and didn't work with people and dismissed all our ideas.

"They then suffered a massive defeat, and they certainly want to be back in again. Having had a massive rejection, it's not our job to put the Tories back in.

"I don't want Reform running the council, and I don't want Conservatives running the council.

"Reform has the most seats and has more of a mandate. What we can do is oppose them from our position".

Cllr Mullaney did add that he was happy to discuss with other party leaders "where they could find common agreement".

The LDRS contacted new acting leader of the county council Cllr Kevin Crook for comment but did not get a response in time for publication.