Reform leader who said he planned to fire council solicitors resigns

Cllr Dan Harrison, who became leader in May 2025, said he took the decision following advice from his deputy leader and chief whip.

It comes after an audio recording was posted online that appeared to capture him saying that 76 council solicitors would be made redundant and that the local authority would go on to "buy in the service, because they're incompetent - they're not doing a good job".

Speaking during a Reform party meeting, he continued: "What I want to look at now is the women so it is ongoing, I would like it to be at great pace but I can tell you now if we suddenly drove massive redundancies the liberals would walk away."

Cllr Harrison initially denied that he had made the comments, but later apologised for the remarks in comments given to BBC News.

He told the BBC: "I would like to apologise unreservedly to the staff and officers of the county council for any hurt, distress or offence caused by the publication of these comments, which were made during a heated meeting with the expectation of privacy and confidentiality.

"However, I would like to stress that these discussions were just that, and I have not given any instruction or direction to officers in these matters and that there has not been any discussion nor agreement on these issues with officers."

He added: "I unequivocally reject any suggestion that staffing decisions are being taken based on gender.

"The comments made in that meeting were taken completely out of context."

In a statement announcing his resignation on Tuesday, Cllr Harrison said: "It has been the honour of my life to lead the first Reform UK administration at County Hall following the county council elections in May 2025.

"Since then, the council has made many great achievements - the lowest increase in council tax precept in over a decade, millions of pounds of debt repaid, putting the Council’s finances on a firmer footing. We also initiated the pioneering Efficiency Review, which will identify further areas where savings can be achieved, and services enhanced and improved in the future."

He added: "I will continue to serve this Council to the very best of my ability and would like to place on record my grateful thanks to everyone at the Council during my time as leader."

Leicestershire's deputy leader, Cllr Kevin Crook, will become acting leader of the council and chairman of its cabinet. The council will elect a new leader at a later date.

Adam Carey