Rachel has accused the Reform UK Chair of Warwickshire County Council of being a ‘rogue landlord’ after he confirmed that he was the owner of two unlicensed and unsafe HMOs shut down by Tamworth Borough Council.
Warwickshire’s Labour MPs have written to the Leader of Warwickshire County Council calling for an urgent investigation into the serious allegations regarding Councillor Edward Harris of Reform UK.
In a joint letter, Rachel, Jodie Gosling MP (Nuneaton), John Slinger MP (Rugby), and Matt Western MP (Warwick and Leamington) raise grave concerns following reports that Tamworth Borough Council ordered the closure of two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) owned by Cllr Harris due to dangerous living conditions.
According to Tamworth Borough Council, the properties were operating without a licence and suffered from major safety failures, including a lack of central heating and hot water, non-functioning fire alarms, inadequate cooking facilities, and unsafe access to outdoor areas. The Council also said that repeated warnings to remedy these conditions were ignored.
The MPs are also demanding clarity over whether Cllr Harris fully declared his rental property interests, as required by the councillor code of conduct, and whether he may have received housing benefit payments while renting out unlicensed properties.
They said it was urgent that Reform UK’s Council Leader George Finch investigate the allegations, and suspend Cllr Harris from his duties while the investigation takes place.
Rachel said:
These allegations are deeply disturbing. Tenants deserve to live in safe, warm, and secure homes — not in properties that put their health and safety at risk. If a senior council figure has failed to meet even the most basic legal and moral responsibilities, that is a serious breach of public trust.
Reform UK’s Council Leader George Finch must immediately launch a full and transparent investigation, and Councillor Harris should be suspended from his duties while this matter is properly examined. Warwickshire residents deserve honesty, accountability, and the highest standards from their elected officials, not slum landlords who exploit vulnerable people.
The MPs are calling on Warwickshire County Council to commission a full investigation, refer the matter to the Monitoring Officer, and provide assurances that all councillors who rent properties are compliant with housing and licensing regulations.