Reform UK leader to step down due to bereavement

The newly-elected Reform UK group leader on Staffordshire County Council is to step down from its cabinet following a family bereavement.

Councillor Chris Large will continue to represent residents in Brewood, but will no longer be the authority's cabinet member for finance and resources.

Martin Murray will continue as acting leader of the council, which is controlled by the Reform UK group of councillors.

A new leader of the authority is due to be formally chosen by members on 12 February.

"Chris has done a tremendous job as cabinet member for finance and resources, leading work on the council's budget and efficiency review," Murrary said.

"I'd like to thank Chris personally for everything he has done and offer my wholehearted support to his decision. Family must come first."

Large had been elected to replace previous group leader Ian Cooper on Friday, and was expected to take over as leader of the council when it meets next week.

Cooper stood down under a cloud of racism allegations linked to his social media accounts.

Large was himself scrutinised over social media use at the end of last year, when he denied writing or endorsing racist comments on TikTok.

He claimed the TikTok account was shared among a number of people, adding that he fully condemned the content of the offensive remarks.

Reform UK told the BBC the party would not be taking any action against Large over the matter.

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