Staffordshire's ruling Reform group on its fourth leader in 18 months following another resignation

Staffordshire County Council’s Reform group today announced Hayley Coles as its fourth leader in 18 months following the shock resignation of Martin Murray.

Councillor Murray announced this morning that he was quitting as leader of both the county council and the controlling Reform group, just seven months after taking over the role.

He said he was leaving ‘with a clear conscience’ after deciding ‘it was in the best interests of Staffordshire’.

Reform took control of the council in March last year, with Ian Cooper as leader, but he resigned the following December after past social media posts came to light.

Councillor Chris Large was elected to succeed him in January, but he quit days later citing a family bereavement. Councillor Large had also been facing allegations of racist activity on a TikTok account bearing his name, although he denied writing or endorsing the comments, and was told by the party that he would be facing no action.

Councillor Murray became interim leader in February, and was permanently elected to the role the following month.

He said: “Following careful consideration, I have concluded that it is in the best interests of Staffordshire, our residents and this county council for me to step down as leader of Staffordshire County Council and leader of the Reform UK group. “This was a difficult decision, but the interests of Staffordshire, the council and those we serve must come first. “I do so with a clear conscience and immense pride in what we achieved together.

“During my time as leader, we delivered a balanced budget, protected frontline services, secured significant investment in highways, children's services and community facilities, and provided stability through one of the most challenging periods in the county council's recent history.”

Councillor Coles is due to formally take up the role of council leader at its December meeting.

She said: "I feel privileged to have been trusted to lead the council into this new chapter.

“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.

“I want to thank Cllr Murray for his leadership thus far and the passion he has shown."

Councillor Murray’s statement in full

Following careful consideration, I have concluded that it is in the best interests of Staffordshire, our residents and this County Council for me to step down as leader of Staffordshire County Council and leader of the Reform UK group.

This was a difficult decision, but the interests of Staffordshire, the council and those we serve must come first. I do so with a clear conscience and immense pride in what we achieved together. During my time as leader, we delivered a balanced budget, protected frontline services, secured significant investment in highways, children's services and community facilities, and provided stability through one of the most challenging periods in the county council's recent history.

I am particularly proud of the work undertaken to strengthen Staffordshire's identity, confidence and economic ambition. Through supporting investment, promoting county pride, strengthening skills and employment opportunities, and backing our tourism and leisure sectors, I sought to help unlock Staffordshire's potential and create opportunities for future generations. Whether supporting major investment, protecting Staffordshire county farms or advocating for local businesses on the national stage, my focus was always on ensuring Staffordshire remained a county where businesses could invest, communities could thrive and residents could succeed.

Staffordshire is home to some of our country's most successful global businesses and institutions, including JCB, Indurent, JLR, Finning, Keele University and Keele University Science and Innovation Park, alongside thousands of small businesses, from farm shops to engineering firms, from global manufacturers to hospitality venues and family-run enterprises. They are a reminder that Staffordshire remains one of the great manufacturing heartlands of Great Britain and a county with enormous potential for the future. I am equally proud of the work I started to raise the profile of Staffordshire's tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors. With the likes of Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Trentham Estate and Cannock Chase, together with the thousands of hotels, spas, glamping sites, restaurants, event venues and award-winning pubs that welcome visitors every year, Staffordshire has an offer few counties can rival. I have long believed that our county should be recognised not only as a centre of industry and innovation, but also as a destination where people come to relax, explore and create lasting memories. That is why we branded Staffordshire as The Nation's Playground. I have always believed Staffordshire deserved a stronger voice and greater recognition, and that's why I called Staffordshire: The Beating Heart of the Country. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Staffordshire and to work alongside dedicated councillors, officers, businesses, community organisations and residents. While my time as leader has come to an end, my commitment to Staffordshire and the people of Cannock remains unchanged. I do wish the council and its new leadership every success in the years ahead.

Martin Murray Staffordshire County Councillor for Cannock Town