New acting leader takes charge at Staffordshire County Council
Councillor Hayley Coles steps up after Martin Murray stood down as leader
Staffordshire County Council has a new acting leader after Councillor Martin Murray stepped down from the role.
The Reform UK Group, which controls the council, has selected Councillor Hayley Coles as its new group leader and Councillor Sean Bagguley as its new deputy leader.
Councillor Coles, who was previously the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and culture, becomes acting leader of the council with immediate effect.
Councillor Bagguley, the cabinet member for finance and resources, has become acting deputy leader.
Councillor Coles will retain her cabinet responsibilities, while Councillor Murray will continue to represent Cannock Town as a Reform UK member.
Councillor Hayley Coles said: "I feel privileged to have been trusted to lead the council into this new chapter."
"My focus now is to drive forward the delivery of our plans for the county."
"I intend to advocate strongly for our residents and businesses, ensure people get effective and efficient council services and champion Staffordshire as the wonderful county it is."
"I want to thank Councillor Murray for his leadership thus far and the passion he has shown," she said.
In a statement explaining his decision to step down, Councillor Martin Murray said: "Following careful consideration, I have concluded that it is in the best interests of Staffordshire, our residents and this County Council for me to step down as Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Leader of the Reform UK Group."
"During my time as Leader, we delivered a balanced budget, protected frontline services, secured significant investment in highways, children's services and community facilities, and provided stability through one of the most challenging periods in the County Council's recent history."
"It has been a privilege to serve the people of Staffordshire and to work alongside dedicated councillors, officers, businesses, community organisations and residents. While my time as Leader has come to an end, my commitment to Staffordshire and the people of Cannock remains unchanged. I wish the Council and its new leadership every success in the years ahead," he said.
The formal selection of the leader and deputy leader of the council will be held at a meeting of Full Council on 10th December 2026.