Independent former Reform councillor quits Staffordshire County Council

A former Reform UK county councillor who went independent earlier this year has resigned, triggering a by-election.

Chris Large, who was the councillor for Brewood in South Staffordshire, has quit Staffordshire County Council for personal reasons following a close family bereavement.

Mr Large was elected as a Reform councillor in 2024 as the party swept to power in Staffordshire.

He was set to become council leader early this year after his fellow Reform councillors chose him to lead their group.

But he stood down as group leader just days after his election, saying this was due to a bereavement.

Mr Large subsequently left the Reform group and continued as an independent councillor.

He had previously been at the centre of a racism furore after a TikTok account bearing his name posted or endorsed offensive comments.

Mr Large insisted he had not been personally responsible for the activity, which he condemned, and claimed a large number of people had access to the account.

Following his resignation, Mr Large said: “Representing your community is a great honour and needs significant time and energy. Following the loss of a close family member and continuing health issues, I’m no longer able to give the role what it needs so I have taken the difficult decision to resign as county councillor for Brewood.

“I wish my successor every success.”

There are currently 43 Reform councillors on the authority, with 12 Conservatives, three independents, one Green, one Labour councillor and one Stafford Borough Independent.

The county council said details of the by-election will be published in due course.