Warwickshire County Council: Conservatives refuse to back George Finch leadership challenge
They say call for the head of the council leader are 'premature'.
Last updated 2 hours ago
CONSERVATIVE councillors are set to back Reform UK’s George Finch to remain as leader of Warwickshire County Council on Tuesday having described calls for his head “premature”.
The Tories cite ongoing code of conduct complaints as the reason for holding off, affording Councillor Finch (Bedworth Central) the opportunity to answer them.
The Green Party has launched a vote of no confidence in Cllr Finch with its county councillors fed up of “repeated attacks on staff, partner institutions and use of his role for constant, cheap and nasty political point scoring”.
The Liberal Democrats (14 councillors) and Labour (3) have vowed to back the push. Restore Britain (2) plan to sit out the vote while Reform UK deputy leader Councillor Stephen Shaw (Polesworth) insists his group (19 councillors, plus two supportive independents) will be fully behind Cllr Finch.
All of that means the nine Tory votes are set to decide which way it goes and they have advocated dropping the matter until the conduct probes are concluded.
The release, issued by Conservative group’s political assistant Chris Johnson, landed hours after the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that an independent investigation found Cllr Finch had breached the council’s code of conduct by publishing material about a child rape case back in August. The investigator found he “could have jeopardised” court proceedings.
The Tory statement read: “It is clear that this vote of confidence is premature."
“Councillor Finch is currently subject to a number of investigations following code of conduct complaints, and the outcome of these complaints is not yet known."
“The Conservative group is therefore calling on the Green Party to withdraw its confidence motion until the complaints process has concluded."
“Much of the Green Party’s rationale for bringing the vote is that Councillor Finch has brought Warwickshire County Council into disrepute. However, we are unable to debate these matters in the chamber until the complaints processes have concluded."
“Councillor Finch, like anyone else, is entitled to due process, and the Conservative group is concerned that bringing this confidence motion at this time prejudices these investigations."
“After full discussion of all the issues and considering what is in the best interests of Warwickshire residents, if the Green group will not withdraw the motion, the Conservative group will vote against the motion in order to maintain stability, keep out a left-wing coalition of chaos and allow Warwickshire County Council to focus on delivering for residents.”
A statement from Conservative leader Councillor Adrian Warwick (Fosse) read: “Clearly the Conservative group would prefer a Conservative administration. However, following the local elections in May 2025, the people have got what they want but not what they deserve."
“The Conservative group nonetheless notes that Reform received the most votes of any party from Warwickshire residents followed by the Conservative party. More than 50 per cent of those who voted (backed) either Reform or the Conservatives."
“The Conservative party will continue to hold Reform to account in Warwickshire and ensure they deliver for residents.”