Reform UK Council Chair Resigns Over Illegal and Unsafe Rental Properties
Edward Harris, the chair of Warwickshire County Council, has resigned from his position and his membership in Reform UK following revelations that he was illegally operating two unsafe rental properties. The Labour-led Tamworth Borough Council identified Harris as a "rogue landlord" who ignored repeated warnings about dangerous conditions at his unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) located in Staffordshire.
Multiple Serious Safety Failures Uncovered
Tamworth Council's investigation revealed that the six-bedroom properties, which housed multiple tenants, suffered from "multiple serious safety failures." The council reported that the homes had no heating or access to hot water, no working fire alarms, inadequate cooking facilities, and unsafe access to outdoor areas. These conditions failed to meet even the most basic living standards and legal requirements for rental accommodation.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Harris said he took "full accountability" for the condition of the homes and expressed his "contrition for the situation." He stated his willingness to correct everything under his responsibilities as the owner of the two properties. Harris added that the recent news story had become an "unfair distraction" from the council's work, and he felt it was his "noble duty" not to allow his chains of office to be put through a process while the matter was being investigated.
Residents Describe Pitiful Living Conditions
Local residents provided disturbing accounts of the properties' deterioration and the impact on tenants. A 75-year-old neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said both houses had "gradually fell into disrepair" and that Harris "just simply refused to do anything about them." The resident expressed shock at discovering the landlord was a Reform party chair at Warwickshire Council, noting that "somebody like that is of high standing" and that he "totally ignored" their requests to address the problems.
Another resident, aged 73, reported speaking with a tenant who revealed they had been without hot water for two years. When asked how they managed, the tenant explained they boiled kettles and used an electric shower. The resident described her surprise at learning about Harris's position, emphasising the disparity between his public role and his neglectful behaviour as a landlord.
Council Takes Enforcement Action
Ben Clarke at Tamworth Council stated that the state of the properties left the local authority with "no choice but to act," resulting in the issuance of two emergency prohibition notices. The council is considering further enforcement action against Harris and has offered support and advice to the affected residents. The management agent Touchstone, which was also implicated for ignoring warnings, has been contacted for comment.
Political Embarrassment for Reform UK
This scandal presents significant embarrassment for Reform UK, particularly as the party's candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection in Greater Manchester, Matt Goodwin, had declared tackling HMOs as one of his priorities. Additionally, Lee Anderson MP, the party's chief whip, has previously raised concerns with the government about the "sharp increase in the number of HMOs, many of which are poorly managed."
George Finch, the Reform leader of Warwickshire County Council, acknowledged Harris's resignation and thanked him for his service as chair. Finch urged others not to speculate while the proper process is ongoing, stating it would be inappropriate to comment on the details at this time.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about housing standards and landlord accountability in the UK rental market, particularly regarding HMOs that often house vulnerable tenants in substandard conditions.
