'Distressing that in 21st century we are still talking about racism'

COMMUNITY leaders in East Staffordshire have called for two county councillors to resign following allegations of racist social media posts.

- By KERRY ASHDOWN Local democracy reporter

Deputy mayor Monica Holton - the first black woman to become a councillor on the borough authority - spoke of the impact of racism on her and other people of colour at Monday’s full council meeting, where two motions relating to county councillors Ian Cooper and Peter Mason were supported.

Cllr Cooper, right, was Staffordshire County Council's leader before it was announced on Tuesday that he had resigned from the position. He currently sits as an independent member of the authority after his Reform UK membership was revoked.

Campaign group Hope Not Hate claimed that Cllr Cooper had posted dozens of 'racist and bigoted' comments on YouTube and X.

The day before he stepped down, an “urgent notice of motion” was presented to the borough council calling for Cllr Cooper to resign as leader and as an elected representative.