Why it matters: The resignation comes as Suffolk County Council faces ongoing challenges over children's services and SEND provision, with Cllr Sam Murray citing concerns about leadership decisions.
The details: In a statement, Cllr Murray said she left the Suffolk County Council Conservative Group because her relationship with Cllr Hicks became "increasingly toxic, particularly following my calls for urgent improvements to SEND provision".
She said: "When my suspension failed to remove me from the party, his behaviour towards me turned to bullying, at a time when I was already struggling with my mental health."
The final trigger was being removed from what she described as her "Special Responsibility position without even the courtesy of a call," referring to her role on the permanence panel, which makes recommendations on whether adoption or permanent fostering is appropriate for children.
What they're saying: n her statement, she said: "Despite being nominated several times for national awards, being recognised locally for my work, and currently being the only Suffolk councillor to be a finalist in this year's National Councillor Awards, Matthew still chose to put the knife in."
She claimed the removal this time was "because someone in his closest circle defected – something I had absolutely nothing to do with".
"Matthew and I have always clashed because my priority has always been what is best for my residents and for our group," Cllr Murray said. "I believe in building a strong front bench and standing firm on issues that matter. Sadly, Matthew has chosen instead to move the deckchairs around to protect himself."
She added: "In my heart, I regret not resigning during the SEND crisis. But I stayed because I believed it was better to keep raising the issues from within the group, even if those issues were being ignored."
For context: Cllr Murray was suspended from the Conservative Party in February 2024 for about two weeks after calling for resignations following an Ofsted and CQC report into the council's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.
The other side: Addressing the accusations, Cllr Hicks said: "Following a cabinet vacancy occurring, I conducted a wider reshuffle of roles and responsibilities. The change to nominees for the permanence panel was part of this. As is the case nationally, in such a scenario, some people are given new roles and others leave theirs. I'm grateful for Sam's work on the panel and wish her well for the future."
What's next: Cllr Murray said she would continue as a borough councillor representing Castle Hill. She said she also stayed "out of loyalty to my borough group – Ian and the team – who I care for greatly" and would still like to remain part of the Conservative Group at Ipswich Borough Council.
The bottom line: Cllr Murray has left Suffolk County Council's Conservative Group over bullying claims aimed squarely at the council's leader, who says the reshuffle was simply part of normal political processes.
