Protests as new Staffordshire council leader 'condemns racism' at meeting
Reform UK councillor Martin Murray made his first speech to the Full Council following the resignation of Cllr Ian Cooper
Last updated 12th Dec 2025
Protesters chanted as the new Staffordshire County Council acting leader Martin Murray made his first speech to the Full Council today (11th December).
The protesters, from the Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, staged a demonstration outside County Buildings before the meeting and during Cllr Murray's speech.
Cllr Murray condemned racism in his speech, following the controversary around his predecessor Cllr Ian Cooper.
Cooper resigned on 9th December following his suspension from Reform UK.
He was under investigation last week after activist group 'Hope not Hate' claimed to have found posts on X allegedly linked to Ian Cooper which they say was sharing, engaging and posting racist social media content.
The new leader was unable to finish his speech as protesters chanted from the public gallery with their fists in the air.
Staffordshire police were called.
The acting council leader's speech in full
"Good morning everyone.
"As the new Acting Leader of this council, I wanted to stand up today and speak directly to you, my fellow councillors, to the officers and all the staff who work so hard in this council, I speak to those in our public gallery and watching online, to the members of the press, but primarily, I am speaking to the people of Staffordshire.
"My role is clear: to provide stability, protect the integrity of this council, and ensure that Staffordshire continues to be governed responsibly. I will uphold the values of this council, to protect our communities, and to ensure that Staffordshire remains strong, united, and respected.
"Most importantly, we will continue delivering services without disruption, and we will do so with professionalism and dignity.
"I stood as a councillor to represent my community, not just in Cannock but across the whole of our county and our country.
"To deliver a stronger and more successful Staffordshire. A place where every single person, has the opportunity, to build the best life for themselves and their families and a county where businesses can thrive.
"My commitments to do this remains as resolute as ever.
"It has certainly been a difficult few days for this council and I truly do recognise the strength of feeling surrounding recent events.
"But please, do not forget all the positive, frankly ground breaking, great work we are doing here in this council is important, and that we are, united together, to deliver our ambitious plans that will make Staffordshire, The Beating Heart of this Country, once again.
"I want to make it absolutely clear here today, that I condemn any form of racism and hate, on any platform.
"While we may not always share the same views or beliefs with our friends, our families, and definitely our politics at times, it is imperative that we all both listen and respect those views.
"YES, raise your concerns, but use the proper channels, we must all, and I mean everyone, stop this visceral name calling, the use of language or troupes that label of whole groups, it's not just offensive, it is dangerous to all serving politicians, our own recent history has shown that.
"Let us also not forget, it's more than just the person or group you aim it at, it effects their family, their children, their grandchildren, and not one of us wants that.
"As elected councillors, it is our role to lead by example.
"So, I say again, Yes hold us to account, Challenge and complain where right to do so, but do it through the proper channels, allowing time for due process, and I assure you now, Complaints of this nature about any councillor will be fully considered as part of the Standards Complaints process and our Code of Conduct.
"And once due process has been completed, as interim Leader of this Reform UK group and of this county council, any member proven to be flouting these high standards will also be held accountable by me, swiftly and decisively.
"I have only been Acting Leader for 48 hours, my priority now is to focus on our plans for this amazing county and to support not only our Councillors but all the amazing staff who work tirelessly across Staffordshire County council, delivering the services you deserve.
"So, please, let's move forward together, united in our purpose and ambition for Staffordshire, but also respectful of the diversity of views and the need for open, honest debate. Thank you."
Police statement
In a statment, Staffordshire Police said: "Officers respond to disturbance in Stafford.
"We went to Tipping Street, Stafford, today following a disturbance at around 10.45am.
"The incident involved a group gathered outside a building engaging in protest and five people in a public gallery.
"The group inside the building was safely removed by officers.
"No injuries have been reported."