Reform UK councillor Wayne Titley quits after less than two weeks following social media post

A Reform UK councillor has resigned from office less than two weeks after he was elected after a social media post allegedly saying the navy should use a "volley of gunfire" to put off illegal crossings.

Wayne Titley represented the people of Gnosall and Eccleshall on Staffordshire County Council for less than a fortnight in the wake of Reform UK's success in May's local council elections.

In a post he shared on social media in March, the now former councillor allegedly called illegal crossings "a full blown invasion."

The post continued: "Why they don't position the navy so as the big boats leave the shoreline they intercept them and thunder them back using a volley of gun fire aimed at sinking them."

Staffordshire County Council announced on Thursday a by-election will be held in his ward following his resignation.

The council said: "Wayne Titley from the Reform UK party has decided to step down for personal reasons.

"Details of the by-election will be confirmed in due course."

A Reform UK spokesman said: "It's disappointing that the level of abuse Wayne and his family have been receiving has meant that he is no longer able to carry on as a councillor.

"Wayne would have made an excellent champion for the people of Eccleshall and Gnosall and we wish him well for the future.

"We are now getting ready to contest the by-election and ensure local people have a strong Reform voice to represent them."

Wayne Titley has been approached for a comment.

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