Cross Gates Councillor Paula-Jane Thackray resigns. November 2, 2026 Councillor Paula-Jane Thackray has announced her resignation from Leeds City Council, citing an internal party dispute and online abuse that affected her family and friends. The councillor, who represents Cross Gates and Whinmoor in East Leeds, confirmed her decision in a statement published on Facebook. Her announcement follows her earlier departure from Reform UK, alongside fellow East Leeds councillor David Dresser. In her statement, Thackray said: "After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as a councillor." She explained that an internal party matter had led to her suspension and resulted in considerable online abuse. Thackray said: "An internal party matter, which I believe should have been resolved privately, led to my suspension and exposed me to considerable online abuse." She added: "The impact on me and, more importantly, on my family and friends has led me to conclude that stepping away from public office is the right decision." The resignation marks the end of Thackray's time representing Cross Gates and Whinmoor on Leeds City Council. Despite the circumstances surrounding her departure, she expressed her gratitude to local residents for their support. She said: "I remain deeply grateful to the residents who placed their trust in me. It has been a privilege to represent Cross Gates & Whinmoor, and I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me during my time as your councillor." Thackray was elected to Leeds City Council in May 2026, securing 3,013 votes as Reform UK's candidate for Cross Gates and Whinmoor. However, her time in office was marked by a recent change in political affiliation. As previously reported by East Side Story, Thackray and Councillor David Dresser, who represents Killingbeck and Seacroft, left Reform UK in October. The pair subsequently formed Leeds First Independents, with Thackray becoming group leader and Dresser serving as deputy leader and whip. Their departures followed suspensions from Reform UK pending an internal investigation. The party did not publicly disclose the reasons behind the suspensions. Thackray's latest announcement brings a further change to the political representation of Cross Gates and Whinmoor, just months after her election. The ward seat is now recorded as vacant by Open Council Data UK. * indicates required East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, East Side Story focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds. Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition. East Side Story was created to change that. East Side Story answer only to its readers. East Side Story has no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Its journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account. Your support helps East Side Story keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow East Side Story to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism. Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive. Become a supporter today:

Reform UK leader of Staffordshire County Council announces shock resignation. * Central * Tuesday 27 October 2026 at 8:31am The Reform UK leader of Staffordshire County Council has announced his shock resignation, just seven months after taking up the role permanently. Martin Murray has confirmed he is stepping down as both leader of the council and leader of its Reform UK group, saying it is in the best interests of Staffordshire. His departure marks the latest leadership upheaval for Reform UK, which has now had four group leaders since winning control of the council in May 2025. Former deputy leader Hayley Coles has taken over from Murray. In a lengthy statement, Murray described his resignation as a difficult decision but gave no specific reason for stepping down. "This was a difficult decision, but the interests of Staffordshire, the Council and those we serve must come first," he said. "I do so with a clear conscience and immense pride in what we achieved together." Conservative group leader Councillor Philip White questioned the repeated changes at the top of the council. "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," he said. The party's first council leader, Ian Cooper, resigned in December 2025 after Reform UK revoked his membership following allegations of racist social media comments. Chris Large was subsequently elected Reform group leader in January, but stepped down just days later, citing a family bereavement. Large had also faced scrutiny over allegedly racist activity on a TikTok account bearing his name, although he denied writing or endorsing the comments. Murray, who had been acting council leader, was formally appointed to the role in March. His resignation means Hayley Coles becomes the fourth person to lead Staffordshire's Reform UK group since December. Murray used his statement to highlight his achievements, including delivering a balanced budget, protecting frontline services and promoting Staffordshire's economy and tourism industry. "While my time as Leader has come to an end, my commitment to Staffordshire and the people of Cannock remains unchanged," he said. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to its latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...

Former Oldham Reform leader resigns with immediate effect 'mid-investigation' Another councillor has also been suspended pending investigation in what is understood to be an unrelated case. News Edward Barnes Local Democracy Reporter 17:11, 22 Oct 2026 Former leader of Oldham Reform, councillor Lewis Quigg, has resigned mid-investigation while another elected member has been suspended, the party have said. Article continues below Friend Jen Kirkham breaks down over cruelty of Carla Georgescu's murder On October 22, Reform Oldham announced Coun Quigg had resigned from the party with immediate effect. The Royton North councillor had led Oldham's second largest party until he was replaced by Mark Wilkinson in September. Article continues below Mr Wilkinson then stood down as both leader of the group and Failsworth West councillor triggering a by-election. Reform Oldham is now led by Waterhead Coun Paul Taylor. Article continues below 138205441837 The Manchester Evening News can also reveal St James Coun Gary Tarbuck has also been suspended from the party. The two cases are understood to not be linked. When approached for comment, a Reform UK spokesman said: "Coun Tarbuck was suspended from Reform UK pending investigation. Coun Quigg resigned from the Reform group mid-investigation." Article continues below Its community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from Channels Research Group and its partners. You can check out at any time. More info Couns Quigg or Tarbuck have both been approached for comment but no response was received at the time of publication. Coun Quigg is currently listed as an independent on Oldham council's website. Earlier today, the Oldham branch of Reform put out a statement on their Facebook page, which said: "The Oldham Reform Group can confirm that Councillor Lewis Quigg has resigned from the Reform Group with immediate effect. Article continues below "This decision follows a difference of perspective regarding internal policy matters." Coun Quigg's resignation from Reform UK and Coun Tarbuck's suspension now temporarily leaves the party with only 13 councillors in the council chamber. However they are still the second largest group in the borough behind Labour. Article continues below Next month, Reform will be hoping to keep hold of the Failsworth West seat vacated by Mr Wilkinson. The party has previously won all three seats in the ward and won nearly 56pc of the vote in 2026. Article continues below The candidates running in the election are as follows: * Chris Baddeley - Reform UK * Stephen Eric Davenport - The Conservative Party * Pete Davis - Labour and Co-Operative Party * Rob Gunn - Restore Britain * Andrew Kevin Jones - Green Party * Lynne Christine Thompson - Liberal Democrats Article continues below Despite Reform winning a majority of seats in the last election across Oldham, they did not secure a majority within the council chamber. Oldham council is currently without a leader though an interim arrangement is currently in place.