Reform UK investigates online activity of council leader

Reform UK has initiated an inquiry into the online activity of the leader of Staffordshire County Council following allegations of racist remarks. Activist organization Hope Not Hate reported discovering posts on an X account allegedly associated with Ian Cooper, including one targeting Foreign Secretary David Lammy, stating: "No foreign national or first generation migrant should be allowed to sit in Parliament."

Reform UK confirmed it is conducting a "prompt internal review" regarding Cooper's failure to disclose his social media accounts. The BBC has reached out to Cooper for comment twice, but he has not replied.

BBC Verify examined the X account registered under the name Ian Cooper. While the account lacks a profile picture or official title reference, its connections suggest a likely link to the council leader.

Cooper is not the first Reform UK councillor in Staffordshire to face criticism over social media activity. Last month, cabinet member for highways Peter Mason apologized for posts he made concerning Black women and the police.

Nine Labour MPs representing Staffordshire have demanded Cooper's resignation, stating: "By sharing this material, Ian Cooper has revealed far-right and racist views. He should step down from both his leadership role and council seat. Staffordshire deserves leadership free from such prejudice."

Further concerns have been raised about Cooper's activity on Facebook. A group named Reform UK Exposed reported that he was a "top fan" of a page called The European Race, which promotes white supremacist content. Being a top fan indicates significant interaction with a page.

Staffordshire County Council has received multiple complaints from political organizations regarding Cooper's alleged online behavior. The council declined to comment on individual complaints.

Philip White, leader of the councils Conservative group, stated: "Anyone who is a 'top fan' of a white supremacist page is entirely unsuitable for public office and should resign immediately."

Author: Zoe Harrison