Row over 'name-calling' and 'racism' as council remains without leader

Acting head of authority condemns 'hurtful social media texts'

- Kerry Ashdown

HEATED DEBATE: Security guards in the council chamber on Thursday.

REFORM UK-led Staffordshire County Council still remains without a permanent leader following a heated meeting where members accused one another of 'hurtful comments' on social media and racism.

The full council meeting was due to be the first with Chris Large at the helm of the Reform UK administration.

But he stepped down earlier this month, just days after his appointment as leader-in-waiting, due to a family bereavement.

Several fellow Reform UK members expressed their condolences to Councillor Large and his family at Thursday's meeting.

But there was also condemnation by acting council leader Martin Murray, below, for comments made on social media.

Councillor Murray said: "I'm still acting leader of this council. Let me make it very clear, plan and simple for you to understand - losing a loved one is hard and we wish all to be allowed the time, space and respect to mourn.