'Residents are left wondering who is in charge': Staffordshire Labour MPs blast Reform leadership

Staffordshire’s six Labour MPs have accused the Reform-led council of letting the county down following its latest change of leadership.

Councillor Hayley Coles today (Tuesday) became the county’s fourth Reform group leader in the 18 months since the party took control of the council at last year’s local election.

Her election follows the shock resignation of Councillor Martin Murray after just seven months in post. He succeeded Councillor Chris Large, who resigned days after his own election, and never actually took up the leadership of the council.

In a joint statement, Stafford MP Leigh Ingham, Lichfield’s Dave Robertson and Josh Newbury, MP for Cannock Chase, along with Jacob Collier (Burton and Uttoxeter), Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme), and Sarah Edwards (Tamworth), accused the party of presiding over a climate of chaos and division.

They said: “Reform’s leadership shambles and a succession of serious racism scandals are an embarrassment to our proud county.

“Their vetting has failed Staffordshire, and while they tie themselves in knots, residents are left wondering who is actually in charge.

“Staffordshire needs a council focused on fixing the roads, the crisis in Send and buses that don’t turn up - not more Reform chaos and months of uncertainty.

“The council’s motto is ‘The knot unites’, but Reform’s record has been one of chaos and division. They need to stop letting Staffordshire down and get on with the job.”

Councillor Murray said he had decided it was ‘in the best interests of Staffordshire’ to quit, but did not elaborate further on the reasons for his departure.

“I do so with a clear conscience and immense pride in what we achieved together,” he said.

He remains a ward councillor for Stafford town.

Councillor Coles said she felt privileged to have been trusted with the role.

“My focus now is to drive forward the delivery of our plans for the county.

"I intend to advocate strongly for our residents and businesses, ensure people get effective and efficient council services and champion Staffordshire as the wonderful county it is.”