Councillor Ian Cooper has resigned as the county council’s leader with his deputy taking the role on an interim basis.
Councillor Cooper’s membership of the Reform UK party was revoked on Friday after investigations into his social media use.
Campaign group Hope Not Hate has made allegations that he posted racist comments online, but these have not been addressed by him.
He became leader of Staffordshire County Council after Reform UK won control from the Conservatives in May.
Councillor Martin Murray has become acting leader of the council and will retain the economy and skills portfolio.
In a statement, he said: “I recognise that these are challenging circumstances and the strength of feeling surrounding recent events.
“Let me reassure you, that my commitment to deliver plans for a better Staffordshire remains absolute and that includes representing all residents fairly and with respect.
“My first and foremost priority is to ensure that Staffordshire County Council services continue without hinderance and to showcase Staffordshire as a fantastic county to live, visit and invest.”
Councillor Cooper will now sit as an independent county councillor.
A permanent council leader will be selected at a meeting of the full council in the New Year.
