Overview
- Staffordshire County Council’s full meeting was suspended after anti-racism protesters chanted from the public gallery and items were reportedly thrown.
- Staffordshire Police said five people were escorted from the building in Stafford’s Tipping Street, with no arrests or injuries, and the meeting later resumed.
- The protest was organised by Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, with chants directed at councillors Peter Mason and Christopher Large over their social media posts.
- Earlier, acting leader Martin Murray delivered a 580-word statement condemning racism, promising uninterrupted council services, and stressing use of the Standards Complaints process.
- Ian Cooper resigned as council leader after Reform UK expelled him over undeclared social media accounts and allegations of racist posts flagged by Hope Not Hate, and a permanent successor is due to be appointed in the new year.