A councillor from the Reform Party resigned shortly after being elected due to controversial comments he made on social media. Jay Cooper, who won the Bootle West ward seat on Sefton Council in Merseyside, received backlash for referring to the Holocaust as a “hoax” and “propaganda.” These comments led to his resignation from the party, although he will continue to serve as an independent councillor.
Cooper expressed regret for his past remarks, acknowledging the reality of the Holocaust and apologizing for any offense caused. Despite stepping down from Reform UK, he affirmed his commitment to representing his constituents faithfully and earning their trust.
Following his resignation, the BBC confirmed that Cooper’s party membership had been revoked. This incident follows the departure of another Reform UK councillor, Stuart Prior, who also resigned after facing criticism for controversial statements on social media. Prior, along with several other Reform members, had been elected to Essex County Council in the recent local elections.