Staffordshire County Council Remains Leaderless Amid Racism Allegations
A lengthy and heated meeting of Staffordshire County Council has failed to appoint a permanent leader, leaving the authority in a state of political limbo. The session, held on Thursday, February 12, was marked by accusations of racism and condemnation of "hurtful comments" circulating on social media among council members.
Reform UK Administration in Turmoil
The council meeting was originally scheduled to be the first with Chris Large leading the Reform UK administration. However, Councillor Large stepped down earlier this month due to a family bereavement, just days after his appointment as leader. Several fellow Reform UK members expressed condolences to Councillor Large and his family during the proceedings.
Acting council leader Martin Murray used the platform to condemn what he described as "visceral, hurtful, social media texts" being sent by serving and former councillors. "This must stop," Murray declared. "While we may not always share the same views, it's imperative we both listen and share those views. Everyone stop this visceral name-calling – it's not just offensive, it's dangerous to all serving politicians."
History of Controversial Social Media Activity
The leadership vacuum comes against a backdrop of ongoing controversies involving Reform UK members and their social media conduct:
- Chris Large previously faced headlines after allegations that a TikTok account bearing his name made or endorsed racist comments. Large denied personal responsibility for the activity, which he condemned, stating that multiple people had access to the account.
- Ian Cooper resigned as council leader last year, just days after being expelled from Reform UK for failing to disclose a social media account. He has faced allegations over racist social media posts and now sits as an independent member on the county council.
- Peter Mason, a Reform UK cabinet member, has been involved in a social media controversy and has since apologized for his "choice of words" in tweets about black women and the police, which were made before his election to the county council.
Notably, Councillors Cooper, Large, and Mason were all absent from Thursday's meeting, having submitted apologies for their non-attendance.
Protest and Political Criticism
Outside County Buildings, protesters gathered with banners demanding "Large out! Mason out! Cooper out!" Inside the chamber, political opponents seized on the controversy.
Conservative opposition group leader Philip White addressed Councillor Murray directly: "I agree councillors that have allegations against them should be dealt with by due process. The difficulties you are describing are due to the fact you had a cabinet member in this council who has admitted to making deeply racist, misogynistic remarks."
White emphasized the need for permanent leadership: "In terms of leadership of this council, we need a permanent leader of this council. Whether that's yourself or someone else, we need that leadership and direction, then we can move on."
Defense and Historical Parallels
In response, Councillor Murray noted that the individual mentioned had apologized and that his party had accepted the apology. He also drew a historical parallel, referencing the "nasty party" analogy applied to Conservatives more than two decades ago.
Tory councillor Colin Greatorex offered a stark assessment: "There are people on this council who have had problems with their social media – I have spoken to people who say they fear living in this area because of Reform. I think Staffordshire has a problem and that problem is Reform."
The council now faces continued uncertainty as it operates without a permanent leader while grappling with internal divisions and public controversy over the conduct of its members both online and offline.
