Staffordshire County Council’s first meeting since leader Ian Cooper’s resignation over racist social media remarks was suspended as protesters chanted in the chamber targeting two other councillors
Police were called after a council meeting erupted into mayhem today. The first full council session of Staffordshire County Council since leader Ian Cooper’s departure following a racism controversy and his ejection from Reform UK, was halted as officers were called in.
Mr Cooper resigned last week after facing allegations of posting racist comments on social media. Demonstrators from Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism gathered outside the meeting before making their way into the public gallery.
The session was brought to a halt after the group continuously chanted within the council chamber, according to StokeonTrentLive. Protesters focused their fury on Peter Mason and Christopher Large, who are the most recent councillors to become embroiled in a political controversy over social media posts.
Reform UK installed Martin Murray as head of Staffordshire County Council after expelling Mr Cooper from the party. He resigned as council leader and now serves as an independent member.
During Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, Keir Starmer slammed Reform for installing a “white supremacist” as council head.
He declared: “In Staffordshire, Reform’s leader has been exposed as a white supremacist. It’s not a coincidence, Mr Speaker, because chaos and division is the member for Clacton’s [Nigel Farage] life work.”
The newly appointed acting leader of Staffordshire County Council has today released a statement attempting to move past recent controversies.
Mr Murray today issued the statement at the start of today’s full council meeting. It said: “As the new Acting Leader of this council, I wanted to stand up today and speak directly to you, my fellow councillors, to the officers and all the staff who work so hard in this council, I speak to those in our public gallery and watching online, to the members of the press, but primarily, I am speaking to the people of Staffordshire.
“My role is clear: to provide stability, protect the integrity of this council, and ensure that Staffordshire continues to be governed responsibly. I will uphold the values of this council, to protect our communities, and to ensure that Staffordshire remains strong, united, and respected.
“Most importantly, we will continue delivering services without disruption, and we will do so with professionalism and dignity.”
The statement, before the metting was interupted added: “I have only been Acting Leader for 48 hours, my priority now is to focus on our plans for this amazing county and to support not only our Councillors but all the amazing staff who work tirelessly across Staffordshire County council, delivering the services you deserve.
“So, please, let’s move forward together, united in our purpose and ambition for Staffordshire, but also respectful of the diversity of views and the need for open, honest debate. Thank you.”