Reform UK leader steps down as Staffordshire council gets fourth chief

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 27 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Martin Murray has stepped down as leader of Staffordshire County Council after seven months in the role.

Martin Murray resigned as leader of Staffordshire County Council and leader of its Reform UK group on Tuesday, seven months after taking the post formally in March. He had been appointed in an interim capacity in December. In a statement, Murray said his decision was in the 'best interests' of Staffordshire, its residents and the council, describing it as 'a difficult decision'. He said he was proud of his work to boost investment in Staffordshire and raise the profile of the county's tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors.

Deputy leader Hayley Coles has been selected as the party's fourth group leader. She will serve as acting leader of the council until December, when she will be formally confirmed. Councillor Sean Bagguley has been selected as deputy leader of the group and will assume the role of acting deputy leader of the council until December. Coles said: 'I am proud to have been trusted to lead our Reform administration and Staffordshire County Council into this new chapter. My priority is to drive forward the mandate our residents voted for and deliver the change the county so desperately needs.'

Murray's departure is the latest in a series of leadership changes since December 2025. Ian Cooper was the first Reform UK group leader following the party's local election landslide in May 2025, but he was expelled from Reform UK and now sits as an independent member. Chris Large was due to succeed him but stood down days after the announcement due to a family bereavement. Murray will remain a Reform councillor for Cannock Town.

Reform UK leader steps down as Staffordshire council gets fourth chief — Image: BBC Stoke And Staffordshire

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How it is being reported

Reform UK leader of county council steps downCouncillor Martin Murray says his decision to resign is in the "best interests" of the county.BBC Stoke And Staffordshire · 27 Oct, 10:29
Reform UK councillor issues 458-word statement after 'stepping down' as leaderMartin Murray is no longer Staffordshire County Council leaderStokeonTrentLive · 27 Oct, 09:25
Reform UK Staffordshire council announces FOURTH leader in 18 monthsCouncillor Hayley Coles is to become the new leader of Staffordshire County CouncilStokeonTrentLive · 27 Oct, 09:07

In this story: Martin Murray · Hayley Coles · Ian Cooper · Chris Large · Sean Bagguley · Reform UK · Staffordshire County Council · Staffordshire

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