BobHopium

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. I do so with a clear conscience and immense pride in what we achieved together. 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. I am particularly proud of the work undertaken to strengthen Staffordshire's identity, confidence and economic ambition. Through supporting investment, promoting county pride, strengthening skills and employment opportunities, and backing our tourism and leisure sectors, I sought to help unlock Staffordshire's potential and create opportunities for future generations. Whether supporting major investment, protecting Staffordshire County Farms or advocating for local businesses on the national stage, my focus was always on ensuring Staffordshire remained a county where businesses could invest, communities could thrive and residents could succeed. Staffordshire is home to some of our country's most successful global businesses and institutions, including JCB, Indurent, JLR, Finning, Keele University and Keele University Science and Innovation Park, alongside thousands of small businesses, from farm shops to engineering firms, from global manufacturers to hospitality venues and family-run enterprises. 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. I am equally proud of the work I started to raise the profile of Staffordshire's tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors. With the likes of Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Trentham Estate and Cannock Chase, together with the thousands of hotels, spas, glamping sites, restaurants, event venues and award-winning pubs that welcome visitors every year, Staffordshire has an offer few counties can rival. 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. 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. 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 do wish the Council and its new leadership every success in the years ahead. Martin Murray Staffordshire County Councillor for Cannock Town

The moment @RobertJenrick knew his political career was over.

Reform UK in Staffordshire is now on to its FOURTH leader in 17 months👇 Martin Murray has quit as council leader, saying it’s in the “best interests of Staffordshire” itv.com/news/central/2026-10…

I've said it before, I'll say it again The difference is David Bull Get Anderson gone. David Bull needs to be back as Chair Losing support...even a family friend who hubs says is quite far right now, has said RUK isn't cutting thru Kemi It's not. It's heartbreaking but true

For once I agree with Sarah Pochin, Reform have a problem with women. Look how agreeable Gawain Towler gets with Helena Dollimore after she brings up his appearance on the undercover ITV documentary when he said he was racist every single day as a younger. #politicslive

It seems to have been a struggle to find volunteers to fill the room for Reform UK’s pre-Budget announcement today. Watch now on @GBNEWS.

Jenrick has become as bitter and nasty as every other politician who slanders whoever they disagree with… millions of people now think Jenrick is a traitor it has nothing to do with being Jewish