Reform UK Council Chairman Resigns Over Unsafe Rental Properties
Published 29 January 2026
Highlights
- Edward Harris, a Reform UK council chairman, resigned after being found to run two unsafe rental properties in Staffordshire.
- Tamworth Borough Council issued closure notices due to severe safety failures, including lack of heating and fire alarms.
- Harris accepted full responsibility and resigned from his position and party affiliation amid ongoing investigations.
- Warwickshire Labour MPs demanded an investigation into Harris's compliance with the councillor code of conduct.
- The council is considering further enforcement actions against Harris for failing to meet housing standards.
-
Rewritten Article
Reform UK Council Chairman Resigns Over Unsafe Rental Properties
Edward Harris, a prominent figure in the Reform UK party and chairman of Warwickshire County Council, has resigned following revelations of his involvement in managing two unsafe rental properties in Staffordshire. The properties, described as unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), were found to have multiple safety violations, prompting Tamworth Borough Council to issue emergency closure notices.
Unsafe Living Conditions Uncovered
The properties, located in Tamworth, were reported to lack essential amenities such as central heating, hot water, and functional fire alarms. Inadequate cooking facilities and unsafe access to outdoor areas further compounded the hazardous living conditions. Tamworth Borough Council labeled Harris a "rogue landlord" for his failure to address these issues despite repeated warnings.
Accountability and Resignation
In a statement, Harris expressed his contrition and accepted full accountability for the state of the properties. He announced his resignation from both his chairmanship and the Reform UK party, opting to sit as an independent councillor while investigations continue. "I've already accepted responsibility for the two properties, and made public my contrition for the situation," Harris stated.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has sparked a call for a thorough investigation from Warwickshire's Labour MPs, who questioned Harris's adherence to the councillor code of conduct. They demanded clarity on whether Harris had declared his rental property interests and if he received housing benefit payments for the unlicensed properties. "These allegations are deeply disturbing," said MP Rachel Taylor, emphasizing the need for safe and secure housing.
Community Impact
Local residents expressed shock at the conditions within the properties. One neighbor recounted a tenant's struggle without hot water for two years, relying on boiled kettles and an electric shower. The council has assured that affected tenants are receiving support to find alternative accommodation.
-
Scenario Analysis
The resignation of Edward Harris underscores the critical need for stringent enforcement of housing standards, particularly in HMOs. As investigations proceed, the focus will likely be on ensuring compliance with legal requirements and holding landlords accountable for tenant safety. The case may prompt broader discussions on housing regulations and the responsibilities of public officials in managing private properties. Additionally, Reform UK's response to this incident could influence its political standing, especially as housing issues remain a significant concern for voters.
Edward Harris, a prominent figure in the Reform UK party and chairman of Warwickshire County Council, has resigned following revelations of his involvement in managing two unsafe rental properties in Staffordshire. The properties, described as unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), were found to have multiple safety violations, prompting Tamworth Borough Council to issue emergency closure notices.
Unsafe Living Conditions Uncovered
The properties, located in Tamworth, were reported to lack essential amenities such as central heating, hot water, and functional fire alarms. Inadequate cooking facilities and unsafe access to outdoor areas further compounded the hazardous living conditions. Tamworth Borough Council labeled Harris a "rogue landlord" for his failure to address these issues despite repeated warnings.
Accountability and Resignation
In a statement, Harris expressed his contrition and accepted full accountability for the state of the properties. He announced his resignation from both his chairmanship and the Reform UK party, opting to sit as an independent councillor while investigations continue. "I've already accepted responsibility for the two properties, and made public my contrition for the situation," Harris stated.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has sparked a call for a thorough investigation from Warwickshire's Labour MPs, who questioned Harris's adherence to the councillor code of conduct. They demanded clarity on whether Harris had declared his rental property interests and if he received housing benefit payments for the unlicensed properties. "These allegations are deeply disturbing," said MP Rachel Taylor, emphasizing the need for safe and secure housing.
Community Impact
Local residents expressed shock at the conditions within the properties. One neighbor recounted a tenant's struggle without hot water for two years, relying on boiled kettles and an electric shower. The council has assured that affected tenants are receiving support to find alternative accommodation.
What this might mean
The resignation of Edward Harris underscores the critical need for stringent enforcement of housing standards, particularly in HMOs. As investigations proceed, the focus will likely be on ensuring compliance with legal requirements and holding landlords accountable for tenant safety. The case may prompt broader discussions on housing regulations and the responsibilities of public officials in managing private properties. Additionally, Reform UK's response to this incident could influence its political standing, especially as housing issues remain a significant concern for voters.
