Timeline for Stuart Prior
#8 14 May
Expelled and resigned both seats within four days over racist and Islamophobic social media posts
UK Local Elections 2026: Seven Reform exits in seven days#8 11 May
Mentioned in: Essex Reform elects Harris, AGM 28 May
UK Local Elections 2026Background
Stuart Prior was elected as a Reform UK councillor to both Essex County Council and Rochford District Council on 7 May 2026. Within four days, racist and Islamophobic social-media posts attributed to him were exposed; Reform UK expelled him from the party and he resigned both council seats — a rare double departure. His case was the most prominent of at least seven Reform councillor departures in the first week after the May elections, a rate of attrition faster than the projected 200-per-year figure cited by analysts ahead of polling day.
Common Questions
Why was Stuart Prior expelled from Reform UK?
Stuart Prior was expelled by Reform UK after racist and Islamophobic social-media posts were exposed following his election to Essex County Council and Rochford District Council on 7 May 2026. He resigned both council seats within four days of being elected.Source: Left Foot Forward / London Economic
How the World Sees Them
Rhun ap Iorwerth / Welsh Government (Plaid Cymru)
the outcomes it delivers
Michael Marra / Scottish Labour
Scots know what we are against. They can't tell you what we are for.
Andy Burnham / Labour Party
contest the next election with a manifesto commitment to change the electoral system so that everyone's vote counts and everyone's voice is heard
Reform UK
fully cooperate with the investigation
Steff Aquarone / Liberal Democrats (North Norfolk)
made to waste £600,000
Stephen Atkinson / Lancashire County Council (Reform UK)
the opportunity to challenge the July decision
Jim McMahon / Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
following updated legal advice
Democratic Unionist Party
goaded
Rupert Lowe / Restore Britain
Reform-sponsored media circus