A member of Staffordshire County Council's ruling Reform UK cabinet has spoken out against "vile accusations" levelled at it – and insisted it is not racist or misogynist.

Cllr Sean Bagguley hit out at those he said "resorted to violence and threats" after being questioned about the authority's security costs, which have soared during the past year.

In December a full council meeting was disrupted by protesters and police were called to County Buildings in Stafford.

Members of the Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism chanted from the public gallery, demanding the resignation of several Reform UK councillors who had been accused of making racist comments on social media.

Since then, security at County Buildings has been beefed up.

During full council and cabinet meetings, guards are present in the council chamber and public gallery.

Members of the press and public attending meetings are required to use a separate entrance to councillors and are not permitted to bring bags or coats into the room.

Cllr Tracey Dougherty sought clarification on the county council's security spend in a question submitted to the latest full authority meeting.

In a written response, cllrs were told the total spent on security guards for County Buildings rocketed from £330 in 2024-25 to £28,201 in 2025-26.

The total spend on security guard services across all council services increased from £319,975 in 2024-25 to £499,124 in 2025/26.

The response from Cllr Bagguley went on: "These costs relate to security guard services across a wide range of council services including council buildings, our data centre, household waste sites – where we have seen a significant increase in vandalism – and a specific new build school where the academy had not been appointed by the Department for Education in time."

Cllr Dougherty asked in an additional question: "The costs relating to security in the council building is low as an overall percentage, but still shows an increase this year. Please can you clarify you thoughts on why we have seen this increase?"

Cllr Bagguley responded: "Thankfully the UK operates within a democracy and most debate is based upon a serious basis.

"Unfortunately, those who appear to have very extreme left or right views rely on a dictatorship.

"Most can't explain their views and have to resort to violence and threats – this is not acceptable at all.

"Some sought to blame this administration.

"We were elected by Staffordshire residents to come and do a job.

"We do it in a very professional and business-like manner.

"We're not, as many like to shout out, racist in any shape or form.

"We believe in equality, we're not misogynists, we're absolutely here to do a job for the residents of Staffordshire – I want to refute all that.

"We actively seek opposition.

"It's healthy and should always be based on the right of residents, and debate – if you disagree – is the way forward.

"Unfortunately, there have been unfounded, vile, accusations in the past which have served to stoke this animosity.

"We don't want it, we don't need it, we're here to do a job professionally and that is what we continue to do.

"For those who seek to blame ourselves for this slight increase in security, who are to blame?

"Is it ourselves who do this job professionally, or is it those that issue threats, both verbally and violently, or is it those who seek to oppose us by using and stoking trouble with accusations?"