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The Reform UK leader of Staffordshire County Council has been ousted from the party following accusations of racist commentary on social media platforms.
Allegations against Ian Cooper stem from posts, including one referencing then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy, stating that “no foreign national or first generation migrant should be allowed to sit in Parliament.”
“Following an investigation into the failure to declare social media accounts during the candidate vetting process, councillor Ian Cooper’s membership with Reform UK has been revoked,” a party spokesperson confirmed.
While Cooper remains leader of the council, he is no longer leading its Reform group.
Nigel Farage, the national leader of Reform, stated on Thursday that the party’s investigation into Cooper “did not look good” for the council leader.
The BBC has repeatedly sought comment from Cooper, but has received no response.
His dismissal follows claims by activist group Hope Not Hate, which reported finding racist posts on an X account allegedly linked to the council leader.
His alleged Facebook activity also came under scrutiny after a group called Reform UK Exposed claimed he was a top fan of a page called The European Race, which promotes white supremacy.
A ‘top fan’ designation indicates high engagement with a Facebook page.
Philip White, leader of Staffordshire’s Conservative group, which governed the council until the May elections, has called for Cooper’s resignation.
White stated: “It was inevitable that Ian Cooper would have to go, but Reform has done nothing to address the bigotry that appears to be embedded in their Staffordshire branch.”
“Nigel Farage needs to instigate an urgent review of his entire Staffordshire operation. This marks the third instance since May involving a Staffordshire Reform councillor, and that pattern cannot be ignored.”
Earlier this week, as allegations against Cooper surfaced, nine Labour MPs representing Staffordshire constituencies called for his resignation.
In a statement released prior to Friday’s announcement, they asserted: “By sharing this kind of material, Ian Cooper has exposed his far-right and racist opinions.”
“Staffordshire deserves better than this outright bigotry.”
Cooper was formally appointed leader of the authority in May, after Reform UK secured 49 seats on the council.
Councillor Martin Murray has been named interim leader of the Reform group at Staffordshire County Council, pending the election of a permanent leader by the group.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire County Council confirmed that proposals to nominate a new leader would require agreement at a full council meeting, and that the council would collaborate with the administration on the next steps.
The next full council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 11.
“Our priority remains serving the residents of Staffordshire and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of services,” the council spokesperson added.
Cooper is not the first Reform councillor in Staffordshire to face scrutiny over social media activity.
Last month, the county council’s cabinet member for highways, Peter Mason, apologized for his choice of words in posts regarding black women and the police.
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