A police investigation is underway regarding a young Reform councillor who allegedly distributed ice creams outside a polling station during this year’s local elections. Joseph Boam, the Reform candidate for Whitwick and former deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, is facing scrutiny over claims of attempting to influence voters. Boam, 22, resigned from his deputy leader and adult social care cabinet positions last month. In May, he was captured on video purportedly giving out ice creams while campaigning for Reform UK in North West Leicestershire, near a polling station where his family’s ice cream van was parked.
Leicestershire Police acknowledged receiving a report from a third party about the ice cream van’s presence on polling day and is now assessing if the incident violates electoral malpractice laws. According to electoral regulations, providing any goods or services to influence voting decisions is considered an offense. The investigation follows Boam’s recent departure from his roles on the county council, as confirmed by county council leader Dan Harrison due to Boam’s alleged inability to perform his duties.
Despite previous denials, Councillor Boam has not directly addressed speculations about his removal from the deputy leader position. Efforts to reach out to Reform UK and Councillor Boam for comments have been made by the Mirror.
Additionally, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has made promises regarding immigration policy, pledging to deport 600,000 migrants within five years if his party wins the next election. Farage also proposed measures to prevent asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats, including offering financial aid to countries like Afghanistan to facilitate the return of migrants and sanctions against uncooperative nations.