Summary
The leader of Staffordshire County Council, Ian Cooper, had his membership in the Reform UK party revoked after being accused of making racist comments on social media. Despite this, he remains the leader of the council, though not of the party's group in the council. Nigel Farage, the national leader of Reform UK, expressed concern over the findings, but Ian Cooper has not responded to the accusations.
Key Facts
- Ian Cooper, leader of Staffordshire County Council, was removed from Reform UK for alleged racist online comments.
- Allegations include comments about foreign nationals or first-generation immigrants not being allowed in Parliament.
- Reform UK said Cooper did not disclose social media accounts during candidate checks.
- Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, stated the investigation results are concerning.
- The BBC has attempted to contact Ian Cooper for a response without success.
- Hope Not Hate, an activism group, claims Cooper made racist posts on social media.
- Cooper remains the council leader but is no longer head of the Reform group.
- Reform UK appointed Martin Murray as the interim leader for their council group.
