A police investigation is underway regarding a young Reform councillor who allegedly distributed ice creams near 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 under scrutiny for potential voter influence tactics. Boam, aged 22, resigned from his deputy leader and adult social care cabinet roles last month before being filmed in May distributing ice creams while campaigning for Reform UK in North West Leicestershire.
The ice cream van, reportedly belonging to Boam’s family, was stationed in close proximity to a polling station. Leicestershire Police acknowledged receiving a report from a third party about the presence of the van on polling day. Authorities are now investigating whether this incident violates electoral malpractice laws, according to Leicestershire Live.
A police spokesperson stated that they received a report in May 2025 of an ice cream van outside a polling station, which is being assessed for potential electoral malpractice. Electoral laws prohibit providing any form of inducement to influence voting decisions, as stated by the Electoral Commission. The investigation follows Boam’s recent resignation from his roles on the county council due to his perceived inability to fulfill his duties, as confirmed by county council leader Dan Harrison.
Despite previous denials of resignation or dismissal from his positions, Councillor Boam has not addressed the speculation surrounding his departure. The Mirror has reached out to Reform UK and Councillor Boam for their comments on the matter.
In other news, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has made promises to deport 600,000 migrants within five years if his party wins the next election. Farage outlined plans to prohibit asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats and to allocate £2 billion for aid to conflict-affected countries like Afghanistan to facilitate the repatriation of migrants. Countries failing to cooperate may face sanctions under these proposals.