A Reform UK council leader has resigned after just a month in charge, leaving his 18-year-old deputy in the top role.

Councillor Rob Howard, who was elected as the leader of Warwickshire County Council, has quit, leaving his current deputy, George Finch, to serve as interim leader.

Howard said it had been a "very difficult decision to take" but confirmed he would stay on as a councillor for Attleborough in Nuneaton.

Councillor Finch, who was elected in the Bedworth Central ward, will serve as interim leader until the council confirms a new leader in due course.

Councillor George Finch will be taking lead of the council

The outgoing leader had previously told the BBC he was "not intimidated" by the challenge of running a local authority with £1.5billion of assets and a revenue budget of about £500m.

Howard said: "This has been a very difficult decision to take.

"The role of leader is an extremely demanding role, and regretfully, my health challenges now prevent me from carrying out the role to the level and standard that I would wish.

"I am honoured and privileged to have held the role, even if only for a short time. I remain committed to my continued role working as a county councillor for the benefit of Warwickshire residents."

Councillor Rob Howard confirmed he would be stepping down

Councillor Finch was a member of the Conservative Party for three months before switching to Reform.

According to the council's website, he was named as the cabinet member for Children & Families.

Writing in The New Reformer, Finch said: "My main principles are having integrity, honesty and respect. Too many people in today’s society lack these qualities, with these qualities one can push for anything in life.

"I’m not going to hide my ambition, which is to serve the people of the UK and if that’s through becoming an MP and representing constituents, advocating for their needs and wants in society."

Councillor Finch with party leader Nigel Farage

Finch continued: "If I was to be politically summed up in a few words it would be; Brexit, sovereignty, strong military and most importantly a strong and united family unit.

"As I always say who has the strongest shoulder in society must support and help others, as long as they contribute in their own way."