No further action in councillor ice cream inquiry

Joseph Boam, who supplied this image of him in an ice cream van, denied any wrongdoing

Police will take no further action against a Reform UK councillor over an allegation he broke election law by offering ice creams to voters.

Last month Leicestershire Police confirmed it was assessing a complaint against Leicestershire county councillor Joseph Boam relating to an ice cream van allegedly left near a polling station in May.

The force said it interviewed Boam - who was elected to the county council on 1 May - following the complaint and, on Monday, confirmed no criminal offences were identified.

Boam, whose family has an ice cream business, said: "From the start, this investigation was a blatant farce, and its inevitable collapse proves it."

The councillor, who represents the Whitwick division, denied any wrongdoing.

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: "The force received a report from a third party of an ice cream van outside a polling station in May 2025.

"This was assessed as to whether this constitutes treating under electoral malpractice.

"On completion of this assessment, a police investigation took place.

"No criminal offences were identified and no further action will be taken."

Boam became deputy council leader after the election but was later removed from the role

The Electoral Commission says a person is guilty of treating if either before, during or after an election they directly or indirectly give or provide any food, drink, entertainment or provision to corruptly influence any voter to vote or refrain from voting.

Treating requires a corrupt intent - it does not apply to ordinary hospitality, the commission adds.

Boam was one of 25 Reform councillors elected to Leicestershire County Council in May, allowing it to form a minority administration.

He was made deputy leader of the council and appointed cabinet member for adult social care.

In August, he was removed from both roles by Reform UK council leader Dan Harrison.

Harrison said his deputy was relieved of the role because he found it "too much" to handle.

At the time, Boam denied the role was "too much" and said he did not agree to being removed.