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Councillor Cooper Resigns, Becomes Independent After Holocaust Apology

5/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Councillor Cooper resigned from Reform UK and will sit as an independent representing Bootle West.
In his apology, Cooper emphasized his personal visits to Auschwitz and affirmed the Holocaust’s reality, saying his comments failed to reflect its seriousness and sensitivity.
Cooper was elected in Thursday’s local elections alongside two Labour candidates.
His departure reduces Reform UK’s representation on Sefton Council to four councillors.

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Story summary

Councillor Cooper resigned from Reform UK and will sit as an independent representing Bootle West.
In his apology, Cooper emphasized his personal visits to Auschwitz and affirmed the Holocaust’s reality, saying his comments failed to reflect its seriousness and sensitivity.
Cooper was elected in Thursday’s local elections alongside two Labour candidates.
His departure reduces Reform UK’s representation on Sefton Council to four councillors.