Reform UK has revoked the membership of Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper.
The decision follows an internal investigation linked to undeclared social media accounts.
Party action and who takes charge
Campaign group Hope Not Hate had earlier set out claims that Cllr Cooper posted racist and bigoted comments across YouTube and X.
Reform UK has now confirmed that his membership has been removed after the party found he failed to declare social media accounts during candidate vetting.
A party spokesman said,
“Following an investigation into the failure to declare social media accounts during the candidate vetting process, Cllr Ian Cooper has had his membership of Reform UK revoked.”
Deputy council leader Martin Murray has been named interim leader of the Reform UK group.
Council leadership position
Cllr Cooper was appointed council leader for a four year term after Reform UK’s victory at the May local elections.
Even though he is no longer leader of the party group, he remains council leader unless he steps down, resigns his seat, or is removed by a vote at full council.
Under the council’s rules, if the leader resigns, deputy leader Martin Murray would step in until a new leader is chosen.
The next full council meeting is scheduled for next Thursday.
As of publication, Cllr Cooper is still listed as council leader on the county council website.
Cllr Cooper has been approached for comment.
