Leicestershire Reform council leader quits after staff comments leaked

The Conservative opposition at County Hall demanded Harrison’s resignation following the leak of his remarks concerning staff members.

In a recorded conversation, Harrison stated, “There’s 76 solicitors will be made redundant. We’ll buy in the service, because [they are] incompetent. They’re not doing a good job.” He further added, “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.”

Earlier on Monday, Harrison had informed the BBC that he had no intention of resigning. However, after discussions with Crook and group whip Andrew Hamilton-Gray, he changed his mind and decided to step down.

Harrison apologized for his comments, which originated during a Reform party meeting the previous Tuesday. Although he maintained that his statements were taken out of context, his apology was issued nonetheless. The Reform group continues to lead the authority as a minority administration, remaining the largest party within it