A Reform UK councillor is under police investigation amid claims he handed out ice creams outside a polling station during May’s local elections.
Joseph Boam, 22, was filmed serving ices from his family’s van on election day, sparking allegations he may have breached electoral law. The Whitwick councillor, who was briefly deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council before being ousted, is accused of “treating” – offering food or drink to sway voters.
Leicestershire Police confirmed they received a report in May of an ice cream van parked near a polling station. “This is being assessed as to whether it constitutes treating under electoral malpractice,” a spokesperson said. The law prohibits handing out food, drink or entertainment to influence votes, unless it falls under “ordinary hospitality”.
Boam was elected with 44% of the vote and hailed as a “grassroots hero” by Reform UK. But just months into office he was stripped of his cabinet post after council leader Dan Harrison claimed he “wasn’t able to do the job”.
The controversy has since deepened, with opposition parties demanding action. Conservative group leader Deborah Taylor wrote to Harrison, urging him to suspend Boam. “The people of Leicestershire rightly expect the highest standards from those elected to public office,” she said. “It is essential public confidence in the democratic process is upheld.”
Liberal Democrat leader Michael Mullaney added: “Electoral law is pretty clear. If he is found to have broken it, the appropriate action will have to be taken.” Green councillor Naomi Bottomley also stressed the need for transparency, while warning against assumptions of guilt.
The van at the centre of the row is reportedly run by Boam and his father, Russell, a Conservative councillor. The business, G Boam and Sons Pure Ices, was originally founded by the family in the 1920s and recently revived.
Boam, a former KFC worker turned councillor, has also spoken of his ventures in property renovation. But for now, his political career faces serious scrutiny.
Police say their inquiry is ongoing.
