Reform leader ousted in ‘racist’ posts storm

COUNTY COUNCIL CHIEF REMOVED AFTER ‘BIGOTED’ MESSAGES FOUND

- KERRY ASHDOWN Local Democracy Reporter

REFORM UK has expelled Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper from the party after allegations emerged concerning racist social media posts.

Campaigning organisation Hope Not Hate alleged the Perrycrofts councillor had published numerous “racist and bigoted” remarks on YouTube and X, including derogatory comments targeting Black and Asian public figures.

Reform UK has now confirmed that Cllr Cooper has been removed from the party after an inquiry revealed he failed to disclose social media accounts during his candidate vetting process.

Deputy leader Cllr Martin Murray has assumed the role of interim leader of the council's Reform UK group.

Cllr Cooper became council leader on a four-year mandate after Reform UK's sweeping success in the local elections last May.