Reform UK councillor Ian Cooper is set to become the new leader of Staffordshire County Council following his election as leader of the Reform group, which swept to power in this month’s local elections.
Councillors will formally vote in a new council leader at the full council meeting on 22nd May, but with Reform holding a clear majority, Cllr Cooper’s appointment is widely expected to be confirmed.
The retired businessman and councillor for Perrycrofts in Tamworth was chosen to lead the 49-strong group of Reform UK councillors after the party’s decisive win on 1st May. The victory saw Reform take 49 of the 62 seats available. In Stone, the Stone Urban seat was retained by Stafford Borough Independents’ Jill Hood, with Reform UK’s Andrew Mynors and Sean Bagguely, taking Stafford Trent Valley and Stafford Rural North respectively.
Tamworth’s Martin Murray, who now represents Cannock Town, was also elected deputy leader of the group. Cllr Murray previously served as Reform UK’s county co-ordinator for Staffordshire.
“A clear mandate for serious change”
Cllr Cooper, who lives in Tamworth, said the result reflected a desire from voters to see a different approach to local government.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to have been elected leader of the Reform UK group on Staffordshire County Council,” he said.
“What we have achieved here is incredible. From a standing start we now have full control of Staffordshire County Council. The people of Staffordshire have given us a clear mandate for serious change and we fully intend to deliver that.”
Originally from Nottinghamshire, Cllr Cooper has lived in Staffordshire since 1997. His career has included roles in the print media industry, as well as time spent as a sales director for an accountancy firm and as a consultant for small and medium-sized businesses. He retired in 2024 but remains involved in local business circles as a member of Advantage Network Tamworth.
He previously stood as a Reform UK candidate in the 2024 general election, contesting the Tamworth seat. In this month’s county council vote, he won the Perrycrofts division with 35 per cent of the vote.
Cllr Murray secured the Cannock Town seat with 51 per cent of the vote.
A new era at the county council
The outgoing leader, Cllr Alan White, had led a Conservative administration since 2020. His departure marks the end of more than a decade of Conservative control in Staffordshire.
The new cabinet, as well as committee chairs and members, will be formally announced at the council meeting on 22nd May.
1 comment
Geoffrey Milburn
That’s great news Tamworth might get recognition now after years of being forgotten by Staffordshire County council.