Reform UK councillor resigns for ‘personal reasons’ days after being elected

A Reform UK councilor accused of making racist social media posts has resigned from elected office just days after being voted out.

Stuart Prior was elected as a Reform UK councilor for Essex County Council and Rochford District Council last week.

Prior, who denied making racist posts when contacted by the Daily Mirror, was previously accused by campaign group Hope Not Hate of describing white people as a “superior race” and suggesting white people have “bigger brains”.

A source from Reform England said on Monday: “Stuart Prior has informed us that he is resigning from elected positions for personal reasons.

“We have also canceled membership of Reform UK.”

He was previously elected to the Rayleigh West ward for Essex County Council and the Sweyne Park and Grange ward for Rochford District Council, both receiving around 40 per cent of the vote.

Reform UK took control of Essex County Council from the Conservatives on Friday, winning 53 of the 78 seats going into the election.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We have received confirmation that the successful candidate for Rayleigh West has resigned from his position as a county councillor.

“We also understand that they have resigned from their position as councilors on Rochford District Council.

“Officials from both authorities will work together to coordinate the by-elections and arrangements will be communicated to residents as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for Rochford District Council confirmed this was the case.