Reform UK landlord resigns over unsafe rented homes

Published: 30 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The Reform UK landlord controversy has sent shockwaves through local government, prompting the resignation of a senior council figure and raising wider questions about housing standards, political accountability, and public trust. Edward Harris, chair of Warwickshire county council until this week, stepped down after neighbouring Tamworth borough council confirmed he had been illegally renting out unsafe properties that failed to meet basic legal and human standards. The revelations have caused significant embarrassment for Reform UK and intensified scrutiny of how political leaders manage private business interests alongside public responsibilities.

At the centre of the issue are two six-bedroom houses in multiple occupation located in Staffordshire, just outside Harris’s own council area. According to Tamworth borough council, the properties were operating without the required licences and were subject to numerous serious safety breaches. Inspectors described conditions that fell far below acceptable standards, leaving tenants exposed to daily risks and discomfort. The Reform UK landlord issue quickly escalated from a regulatory concern into a national political story, driven by the stark contrast between Harris’s public role and his private conduct.

In a public statement announcing his resignation, Harris accepted responsibility for the failings. He acknowledged the unacceptable condition of the homes and expressed remorse, stating that he had taken full accountability as the owner. He also resigned from Reform UK, explaining that the situation had become a distraction from council business. Harris said it was his duty to step aside while investigations and enforcement actions continued, emphasising that he did not wish the office of chair to be drawn into controversy.

Tamworth borough council took a far harsher tone. Officials described Harris as a rogue landlord who had repeatedly ignored warnings about dangerous conditions. They confirmed that both Harris and his managing agent, Touchstone, had failed to act despite numerous opportunities to address the problems. Council officers reported that the properties lacked heating and reliable hot water, had no functioning fire alarms, and offered inadequate cooking facilities. Access to outdoor spaces was deemed unsafe, adding to the list of hazards faced by tenants.

The council said the six-bedroom homes, occupied by multiple residents, failed to meet even the most basic living standards required by law. As a result, emergency prohibition notices were issued, forcing immediate action to protect occupants. Ben Clarke, a senior officer at Tamworth, explained that the severity of the conditions left the authority with no alternative. He said the council had a legal and moral obligation to intervene when residents were placed at such risk.

For tenants and neighbours, the findings confirmed long-held concerns. A 75-year-old resident living on the same street described watching the properties deteriorate over time. She said complaints had been raised repeatedly, yet nothing changed. What shocked her most was learning the extent of the internal conditions. She explained that neighbours had not realised how badly residents were living until council action made the details public.

Another local resident, aged 73, recalled speaking with a tenant who had lived without hot water for two years. According to her account, residents relied on kettles and an electric shower to cope. She expressed disbelief that the landlord responsible was a senior political figure. In her view, someone holding such a position should have shown greater responsibility. Instead, she said, requests for repairs and intervention were ignored.

The Reform UK landlord scandal has wider political implications. Reform UK has positioned itself as a party focused on law, order, and accountability, often criticising failures in housing regulation. The timing is particularly sensitive, as the party contests a byelection in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester. Its candidate, Matt Goodwin, has previously identified the regulation of HMOs as a personal priority, arguing that poorly managed shared housing undermines communities.

Senior party figures have also spoken publicly about the growth of HMOs. Lee Anderson MP, Reform UK’s chief whip, has raised concerns with government ministers over what he described as a sharp increase in poorly managed properties. Against this backdrop, the Harris case appears deeply damaging. Critics argue it undermines the party’s credibility on housing standards and enforcement, while supporters insist the swift resignation demonstrates accountability.

George Finch, leader of Reform UK on Warwickshire county council, confirmed Harris’s resignation and thanked him for his service. Finch declined to comment on the details of the case, stating that proper processes were ongoing and speculation should be avoided. His cautious response reflects the party’s desire to contain political fallout while legal and regulatory matters continue.

Housing experts say the case highlights persistent problems in the private rental sector. HMOs, often housing vulnerable tenants, require strict oversight because failures can quickly become dangerous. When landlords neglect responsibilities, local authorities face difficult enforcement decisions, balancing tenant safety with limited resources. The Reform UK landlord episode illustrates how political status does not exempt property owners from these obligations.

Local authorities across England have increasingly relied on emergency powers to address the worst cases. Such measures are typically reserved for situations posing immediate risk to life or health. Tamworth council’s decision to issue prohibition notices indicates the seriousness of the conditions discovered. Officials confirmed that affected residents were offered support and advice, including assistance in finding alternative accommodation where necessary.

The council also stated that further enforcement action remains under consideration. This could include financial penalties or prosecution, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations. While Harris has apologised publicly, legal responsibility as a landlord operates separately from political consequences. Experts note that resignation from office does not remove potential liability under housing law.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some have welcomed Harris’s decision to step down, viewing it as an appropriate response that protects council integrity. Others argue the resignation came too late, only after media scrutiny and council intervention forced the issue. Tenant advocacy groups have used the case to call for stronger national enforcement and harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

For Reform UK, the challenge now is reputational. The party must convince voters that the actions of one individual do not reflect broader values or practices. The leadership’s emphasis on accountability will be tested by how transparently it responds and whether it supports stronger regulation in future. The Reform UK landlord controversy will likely be referenced repeatedly during the upcoming byelection campaign.

Beyond politics, the case underscores the human cost of regulatory failure. Tenants living without heating, hot water, or fire safety measures face daily hardship and fear. Such conditions affect health, dignity, and security, particularly for older or low-income residents. Housing charities argue that stories like this remain far too common, despite existing laws designed to prevent them.

As investigations continue, attention will remain focused on enforcement outcomes and lessons learned. Local councils may review inspection practices, while political parties reassess internal standards for members holding public office. The Reform UK landlord case stands as a reminder that public trust depends not only on words spoken in chambers, but on actions taken behind closed doors.

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