The former deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council, Councillor Stephen Shaw (Reform UK, Polesworth), has publicly labeled taxpayer-funded political assistants as “a waste of money,” despite having supported their introduction just months earlier. Shaw, who was responsible for budget setting and served as Councillor George Finch’s right-hand man, made the remarks privately during discussions ahead of the February budget, in the presence of elected officials and staff.
During talks on saving costs for the financially challenged council, Shaw pointed to the political assistants—employed by the three largest groups on the council (Reform UK, Liberal Democrats, and Conservatives)—and argued that the funds allocated for these roles could be better spent elsewhere.
Earlier in April, Shaw stepped down from the deputy leader role due to changing work commitments but retained his position overseeing finance and property. However, a recent cabinet reshuffle saw new deputy Councillor James Crocker (Reform UK, Arden) take over that portfolio, with Shaw moving to oversee transport and planning.
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The introduction of political assistants had been championed by Councillor Finch after becoming leader in July 2025. The measure narrowly passed full council approval via the casting vote of then-chair Councillor Ed Harris, who was affiliated with Reform UK at the time. These assistants, while politically restricted like other council officers, have more latitude to engage with the public in ways designed to influence political support and publish material aimed at swaying public opinion.
Initially funded through temporary reserves until March, Reform UK committed a permanent budget of £156,000 per year starting 2026-27 to cover these salaries and overheads. Both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives incorporated similar funding in their alternative budget proposals, whereas Labour and the Green Party did not, although the Greens later supported a joint Lib Dem proposal that ultimately faltered.
Ultimately, the Conservatives backed a modified Reform UK budget, meaning any decision to cut funding for political assistants would require fresh council approval.
Interestingly, Shaw had voted in favor of introducing the political assistants and supported the Reform UK budget during February’s meeting. When contacted for comment, Shaw reiterated his stance on prudent spending but declined to elaborate further.
In contrast, Councillor Finch defended the role of political assistants, emphasizing their importance in shaping the council’s direction. Finch criticized the previous council establishment for lacking political leadership and argued that assistants help enable the administration to govern effectively. He dismissed allegations that Shaw disagreed with the policy as “vicious Liberal lies,” accusing the Liberal Democrats of sowing division within the council.
Finch concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to maintaining political assistants, citing their role in allowing the leadership to focus on governance rather than appeasing entrenched bureaucratic interests.