> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Martin Murray resigns as Staffordshire County Council leader as Hayley Coles takes over - URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/martin-murray-resigns/ - Published: 2026-10-27T09:07:02.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-27T09:07:02.000Z - Description: Martin Murray has resigned as Leader of Staffordshire County Council, with Hayley Coles taking over following the third Reform UK leadership departure in less than a year. - Author: Jenna Goodwin - Tags: Politics, #top-story ****THE SIGNAL BRIEF** ****What’s new:** Martin Murray has resigned as Leader of Staffordshire County Council and leader of the Reform UK group. ****What’s next:** Hayley Coles has been selected as the new Reform UK group leader and will serve as Acting Leader of the Council until December, when she is expected to be confirmed in the role. ****The big picture:** Murray’s departure is the third change at the top of Staffordshire’s Reform UK group in less than a year, following the departures of Ian Cooper and Chris Large. Councillor Martin Murray has announced his resignation as Leader of Staffordshire County Council and leader of its Reform UK group. The Cannock Town councillor announced his decision on Tuesday 27 October, saying he had reached the decision following "careful consideration" and believed stepping down was in the best interests of Staffordshire, its residents and the county council. 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. This was a difficult decision, but the interests of Staffordshire, the Council and those we serve must come first.” No specific reason for his resignation was given. His departure marks another change at the top of the Reform UK administration at Staffordshire County Council. Ian Cooper resigned as council leader in December 2025\. Chris Large subsequently became Reform UK group leader before stepping down from that position and his role as Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources. Murray was later selected as Reform UK group leader and formally became Leader of Staffordshire County Council in March 2026. ### Conservative councillor raises concerns over leadership changes Conservative group leader Councillor Philip White has questioned the repeated changes in leadership since Reform UK took control of Staffordshire County Council in May 2025. Speaking to ITV News Central, he said: > "I wish Martin Murray well for the future but it is deeply concerning that Staffordshire County Council - one of the largest local authorities in the country is now on to its fourth Reform UK leader in a year and a half," The leadership changes began with Ian Cooper's resignation in December 2025, followed by Chris Large stepping down as Reform UK group leader in January 2026\. Martin Murray was subsequently appointed council leader in March before announcing his resignation in October. Competition 2pairs to win ### Win tickets to see the *Mediaeval Baebes* at Stoke Minster 30th Anniversary Concert • Saturday 19 December Torchlit processions, ancient songs and voices that sound centuries old, all in one of the city's most atmospheric buildings. Entering is free. [Sign up to the newsletter to enter](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/#/portal/signup) **Already a subscriber? You're automatically entered.** Closes 11.59pm, Friday 20 November 2026\. [Full details and T&Cs](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/win-tickets-to-see-the-mediaeval-baebes/) Photo: Rob Kelly ## Hayley Coles selected as new group leader Following a meeting of the Reform UK group, Councillor Hayley Coles has been selected as its new leader. She now becomes the fourth person to lead Staffordshire's Reform UK group since the party took control of the council. The group said Coles will serve as Acting Leader of Staffordshire County Council until December, when she will be confirmed as Leader of the Council. Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, has been selected as Deputy Leader of the Reform UK group and will become Acting Deputy Leader of the Council until December. Coles said: > “I am proud to have been trusted to lead our Reform UK 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. > > “I want to thank Cllr Murray for his leadership and dedication over the past year.” ## Murray reflects on his time as leader In his resignation statement, Murray highlighted what he described as the achievements of his time in charge, including delivering a balanced budget, protecting frontline services and securing investment in highways, children's services and community facilities. He said: > “I do so with a clear conscience and immense pride in what we achieved together.” Murray also reflected on his efforts to promote Staffordshire's economy, businesses and employment opportunities. He highlighted major businesses and institutions including JCB, Indurent, JLR, Finning, Keele University and Keele University Science and Innovation Park, alongside the county's smaller businesses. He said: > “They are a reminder that Staffordshire remains one of the great manufacturing heartlands of Great Britain and a county with enormous potential for the future.” Tourism, leisure and hospitality were also highlighted in Murray's statement, including Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Trentham Estate and Cannock Chase. He said: > “I have long believed that our county should be recognised not only as a centre of industry and innovation, but also as a destination where people come to relax, explore and create lasting memories. That is why we branded Staffordshire as The Nation’s Playground.” Murray also referred to his description of Staffordshire as "The Beating Heart of the Country". He said: > “I have always believed Staffordshire deserved a stronger voice and greater recognition, and that’s why I called Staffordshire: The Beating Heart of the Country.” ## Remaining as Cannock Town councillor Although he has left the leadership positions, Murray remains a Reform UK county councillor representing Cannock Town. Reflecting on his departure, he said: > “While my time as Leader has come to an end, my commitment to Staffordshire and the people of Cannock remains unchanged.” He concluded his statement by wishing Staffordshire County Council and its new leadership success in the years ahead. ![The Staffordshire Signal](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Logo-website-PNG-close-crop-green-4.png) Why the Signal exists ## Real news takes time. Thanks for taking yours. You've just read a story that took time to get right. No clickbait, no racing to be first, no ads chasing you down the page. 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