Reform UK Council Chair Resigns Over Illegal Unsafe Rental Properties
Edward Harris, the chair of Warwickshire county council, has resigned from his position and as a member of Reform UK after it was revealed he was illegally operating two unsafe rental properties. The Labour-led Tamworth borough council described Harris as a rogue landlord who ignored repeated warnings about dangerous conditions at his houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Staffordshire.
Multiple Serious Safety Failures Uncovered
Tamworth council found that the six-bedroom properties, which housed multiple tenants, had 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 meant the properties failed to meet even the most basic living standards and legal requirements for HMOs.
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 those two properties, adding that the news story had been an unfair distraction from the council's work.
Residents Describe Pitiful Living Conditions
Local residents provided shocking accounts of the state of the properties. A 75-year-old neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said the houses had gradually fell into disrepair and that Harris just simply refused to do anything about them. She expressed dismay at discovering the pitiful state that residents were living in, which she hadn't fully realised until the council investigation.
Another resident, aged 73, reported speaking to 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. This resident expressed surprise that the landlord was a Reform party chair at Warwickshire council, noting that somebody like that is of high standing, yet he totally ignored their requests to address the problems.
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. The council issued two emergency prohibition notices on the properties and offered support and advice to the affected residents. Tamworth council is considering further enforcement action in relation to the properties owned by Harris, who they said had ignored repeated warnings along with the management agent Touchstone.
The Reform leader of the council, George Finch, 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.
Embarrassment for Reform UK
This news comes at an embarrassing time for Reform UK, as their 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 to the government about the sharp increase in the number of HMOs, many of which are poorly managed.
The case highlights ongoing issues with housing standards and landlord accountability in the UK rental market, particularly concerning HMOs that fail to meet legal requirements. It raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures in private property management and the enforcement of housing regulations by local authorities.
