Police assess Reform councillor ice cream allegation

Joseph Boam, who supplied this image of him in an ice cream van, denies any wrongdoing, the BBC understands

Police are investigating a report that a Reform UK councillor broke election law by offering ice creams to voters.

Leicestershire Police said it had received a complaint against Leicestershire county councillor Joseph Boam relating to an ice cream van allegedly left near a polling station in May.

Boam was elected to represent the Whitwick division on Leicestershire County Council on 1 May.

The BBC understands Boam, whose family has an ice cream business, is yet to be contacted by the police and denies any wrongdoing.

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

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

The report was made on Friday, the force added.

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

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

Last month, 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.

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

Following the report to police, the Conservative leader of the opposition on the county council, Deborah Taylor, wrote to Harrison urging him to suspend Boam.