Andy Mitchell

Warwickshire County Council says Operation Etone, a major crackdown on shops selling illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco, was fully funded and successfully supported by a £55,000 budget carryover. The operation led to four business closures, an arrest and the seizure of more than £20,000 of illicit goods. Council leader George Finch rejected claims that enforcement had been suspended, but warned that uncertainty over central government funding and the council's impending abolition could threaten future services. He called on Westminster to provide clearer and stronger financial support for local authorities.

Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch says taxpayer-funded libraries and public buildings should remain politically neutral, family-friendly and age-appropriate. He opposes Black History Month displays, LGBTQ+ promotional stands near children’s sections and council staff displaying political or identity-related flags at work, while insisting that relevant books should remain available and not be banned. Finch argues that history should be taught from a balanced perspective, including both the harms and achievements associated with the British Empire. His position follows a review of council promotional activity and criticism of alleged displays concerning gender ideology, which prompted a protest outside Shire Hall. Finch denies that the review was coordinated by Reform UK’s national leadership.

Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch said voters are likely to remain loyal to Reform UK despite four councillors defecting to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain. The defections have reduced Reform’s representation to 17 of the council’s 57 seats, leaving the politically divided authority facing close votes ahead of the creation of new unitary councils in 2028. Finch dismissed the defectors as disgruntled and said the May 2027 elections would determine whether they retain their seats. Scott Cameron rejected that characterisation, citing loss of faith in Reform’s Warwickshire leadership, compulsory party voting directives and failure to deliver promised change.