Locals' views split on 19-year-old council leader

George Finch, 19, has become the youngest leader of a council in the UK.

For many Warwickshire residents, finding out a teenager is running their local council has come as a surprise.

Reform UK's George Finch officially became the UK's youngest council leader on Tuesday when, at 19 years old, he took charge of Warwickshire County Council.

The BBC visited the streets of Warwick town centre to see what local reaction to the news was.

Vic Mann thought the appointment of George Finch could bring a younger dimension to Warwickshire County Council.

Vic Mann told us he didn't think age was an issue: "I think that's fine, it brings a younger dimension to people in those sorts of positions.

"Do we know that the people that are there have previous experience anyway? I guess we've all got to learn somewhere, and it's a young head but it could be quite an interesting development."

Geoffrey Manion labelled the appointment "crazy". He said: "He hasn't lived long enough to know what's what.

"At the end of the day, he's just not old enough. It's crazy, absolutely crazy."

Geoffrey Manion labelled the appointment of George Finch "absolutely crazy".

Pete Weston wasn't happy at the news, but not because of the leader's age.

He said: "Personally, I think it's awful because I don't like Reform and what they stand for. The fact that he's young doesn't matter, it's the fact he represents Reform.

"It's a time for young people to look after things. Our generation have made a right mess. But I don't think Reform is the way forward at all."

His wife, Liz Weston, believes age is an issue. She said: "I have no problem with him being a councillor, but I have a big problem with him being the leader of the council.

"I just think you need more experience of life before you can take on such a position of responsibility. It wouldn't happen in any other walk of life, would it?"

Yvonne Stanley said the news was "a little bit of a surprise". She said: "Fair play to him if he can do the job. Just because he's young doesn't mean to say that he's not capable."