US EditionTories Call for Suspension of Reform UK Councillor over Ice Cream Van Inquiry
Councillor Joseph Boam, 22, is investigated for potentially breaching electoral law by distributing ice creams near a polling station during local elections.
- Joseph Boam, a 22-year-old Reform UK councillor, was elected in May 2025 to represent Whitwick on Leicestershire County Council and became deputy leader and cabinet member.
- Boam allegedly gave away ice creams from his family's van outside a polling station during May’s local elections, prompting a police investigation into potential electoral malpractice.
- Leicestershire Police received a third-party report on Friday, September 1, 2025, and are assessing if the incident constitutes 'treating', which is offering food, drink, or entertainment to influence voters.
- Dan Harrison, Reform UK council leader, removed Boam from both roles last month, stating Boam 'wasn't able to do the job', while Boam denies wrongdoing and disputes having resigned.
- The investigation has led to calls from Conservative leader Deborah Taylor for Boam’s immediate suspension pending police findings, citing serious disrepute to the county council.
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Reform councillor investigated after ‘handing out ice creams outside polling station’
Former Leicestershire County Council deputy leader Joseph Boam, 22, is facing claims so-called ‘treating’ took place near a polling station
·London, United Kingdom
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Evening Standard+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Tories call for suspension of Reform UK councillor over ice cream van inquiry
Former Leicestershire County Council deputy leader Joseph Boam, 22, is facing claims so-called ‘treating’ took place near a polling station.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Left
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
42% Left
L 42%
C 33%
R 25%
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