Staffordshire council leader steps down after social media probe and Reform UK suspension
Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper has formally resigned after an investigation into his social media use.
Former Reform UK member Ian Cooper took charge of the council after May's local elections, when his party won control from the Conservatives.
He was expelled from his party last week after leader Nigel Farage said their investigation did "not look good" for Councillor Cooper, who was accused of saying of David Lammy "no foreign national or first generation migrant should be allowed to sit in Parliament".
Activist group Hope Not Hate also claimed to have found racist posts on an account on X claimed to be linked to the council leader.
Councillor Cooper was suspended as leader of the council on Friday and formally resigned on Tuesday (December 9) although he will remain an independent councillor in Tamworth.
He will be replaced on an interim basis at the council by his deputy Martin Murray, who said today: "I recognise that these are challenging circumstances and the strength of feeling surrounding recent events.
“Let me assure you that my commitment to deliver plans for a better Staffordshire remains absolute, and to represent all residents fairly and with respect.
“My first and foremost priority is to ensure that Staffordshire County Council services continue without hinderance and to showcase Staffordshire as a fantastic county to live, visit and invest."
It is expected that the authority will choose a new permanent leader at a full council meeting in the new year.
