Second Reform cabinet member replaced on council

Councillor Helen Butler said she was stepping down from the role due to family commitments

A second Reform UK cabinet member on Leicestershire County Council has been replaced since it became the largest party on the authority in May.

Councillor Helen Butler, who represents Charnwood, has announced she is stepping down from her position in charge of finance and resources due to family commitments

Councillor Harrison Fowler was chosen to fill the role – which includes looking after HR, IT, property and investments.

The 21-year-old said: "Efficiency is my focus. With a £90m budget gap, my priority is working to see how we can drive down costs."

In August, the council's deputy leader, Joseph Boam was removed from the role and his position as cabinet member for adult social care.

Harrison Fowler is set to replace Helen Butler to lead on the council's finances and resources

Fowler's previous cabinet portfolio is now being split between council leader Dan Harrison, who is taking on strategic and county planning and economic development, and Kevin Crook, who has been given the tourism portfolio.

Fowler will also be retaining his role as the county council's representative on the East Midlands Freeport board of directors.

The reshuffle now means the council has decreased its number of cabinet members from 10 to nine.

Dan Harrison said: "Helen's been a great cabinet member and I'd like to thank her for her hard work.

"Balancing a home life with being a cabinet member is hard. It's to Helen's credit she's decided that she can't give the role the time it requires.

"Harrison is a talented member of the cabinet, and I know he will quickly get to grips with his new role."