Leicestershire Reform's cabinet member for children and families is a full-time student

Photo by Grant Davies on Unsplash

Leicestershire. Northamptonshire. Nottinghamshire.

The carousel of stories about East Midland Reform-run councils goes round and round, and the painted ponies go up and down.

So it's back to Leicestershire and a reminder from the Leicester Mercury that Reform UK's cabinet member for children's and families' services, Charles Pugsley, is about to start the second year of a computer science degree at the University of Nottingham.

Does Pugsley, who was 19 when he was appointed in May, have the time for both these roles? His Conservative predecessor in his cabinet position, Deborah Taylor, has her doubts:

"I know how demanding being lead member for Children Services is. I did the role for five years.

"It was full-time and more, and you need to show up for our children and be there. It is not a role you can do at arms length. You either fully commit or you don't do the role.

"There is nothing worse than not showing up and not caring for our vulnerable children. They need stability, a familiar face, and be their trusted adult for them to turn to whenever you are needed."

Pugsley's reply, quoted by the Mercury: is:

"I am fully committed to children’s services and will continue to undertake this role and give it the attention and time it requires alongside continuing into the second year of my degree."

The second year of a degree course tends to have fewer exam pressures than the first of third, but we shall see if this proves possible.