Reform councillor Joseph Boam, 22, is under police investigation over allegations that he tried to sway voters by handing out ice creams outside a polling station in North West Leicestershire
A young Reform councillor is being probed by police after he was accused of handing out ice creams outside a polling station for this year’s local elections.
Joseph Boam, Reform candidate for Whitwick and former deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council is under police investigation over allegations that he tried to sway voters. The 22-year-old, who stepped down from both his deputy leader and adult social care cabinet role last month, was filmed in May allegedly handing out ice creams while campaigning for Reform UK in North West Leicestershire.
The ice cream van, reportedly owned by his family, was said to be parked close to a polling station. Leicestershire Police confirmed it they had received a third-party report about the van’s presence on polling day. A spokesperson said officers are now examining whether the incident should be treated under electoral malpractice laws, Leicestershire Live reports.
A police spokesperson said: “The force received a report from a third party of an ice cream van outside a polling station in May 2025. This is being assessed as to whether this constitutes treating under electoral malpractice.”
Under electoral law, it is an offence to provide any meat, drink, entertainment or provision to any person for the purpose of influencing that person to vote or refrain from voting, the Electoral Commission states. The probe comes just weeks after county council leader Dan Harrison confirmed Boam had left his two roles on the authority as he “wasn’t able to do the job”.
Councillor Boam however had previously denied resigning or stepping down from either position, and would not address speculation that he had been sacked as deputy leader. The Mirror has contacted Reform UK and Councillor Boam for comment.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage recently vowed to deport 600,000 migrants within five years if his party won in the next election. Farage said Reform would ban anyone arriving to the UK on small boats claiming asylum.
He also said he would make £2bn available in order to offer payments or aid to war-torn countries like Afghanistan so that they can take back migrants – with sanctions potentially imposed on countries that fail to co-operate.