Leicestershire Police have launched an investigation into claims that a Reform UK councillor broke election law by handing out ice creams outside a polling station during the local elections in May. The force is assessing whether the incident constitutes 'treating' – an electoral offence involving providing food, drink or entertainment to influence voters.
The ice cream van is reportedly owned by the family of Joseph Boam, the former deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, who was removed from the post by his party in August, three months after being elected. The 22-year-old councillor, who represents the Whitwick division, was one of 25 Reform UK candidates elected to the council in May, securing 1,601 votes (44 per cent).
Leicestershire Police confirmed in a statement: '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.' Mr Boam has been approached for comment and is reported to deny any wrongdoing, having yet to be contacted by police.
The controversy has prompted calls for Mr Boam's suspension from the local party. In an open letter, the leader of Leicestershire Conservatives, Deborah Taylor, said the allegations bring 'the county council into serious disrepute' and urged immediate suspension pending the outcome of the police investigation. Ms Taylor had previously criticised Mr Boam as 'wholly unqualified' for his deputy role.
Electoral Commission guidance states that 'treating' occurs when someone corruptly provides food, drink or entertainment to influence a voter, requiring corrupt intent and not applying to ordinary hospitality. Mr Boam, a former KFC worker, has spoken of reviving his great-great-grandfather's ice cream company, G Boam and Sons Pure Ices, originally founded in the 1920s.
