Reform cancels council leader's party affiliation

The head of Staffordshire County Council representing Reform UK has been expelled from the party after allegedly posting racially insensitive comments online. The statements that triggered the controversy included one aimed at the former foreign secretary David Lammy, suggesting that "no foreign national or first-generation migrant should be allowed to sit in Parliament."

A party representative stated, "After reviewing the undisclosed social media accounts during the candidate vetting process, councillor Ian Cooper's membership in Reform UK has been terminated."

Martin Murray has been named interim council leader while the party selects a new permanent leader.

Nigel Farage, national leader of Reform UK, commented on Thursday that the findings of the partys inquiry into Cooper's posts "reflect poorly" on the councillor.

This story is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as new information emerges.

Author: Riley Thompson