Cannock Chase Council has ushered in a new chapter with Reform UK’s historic rise to leadership, marking the first time the party controls this Midlands authority. Following the May 7 elections, the council shifted to no overall control as Labour lost its majority.
Labour’s presence dramatically declined, with prominent figures including former leader Steve Thornley, deputy leader Garry Samuels, and cabinet members Sue Thornley and David Williams losing their seats. The party’s representation dropped from 18 to 10 seats.
In a striking contrast, Reform UK captured all 13 contested seats, becoming the council’s largest party with 14 seats, though still just shy of an outright majority.
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Paul Jones was elected council leader during the annual meeting on May 20. Notably, Jones made history last year as Reform UK’s first councillor elected to the authority, following a summer by-election win.
Jones outlined the group’s collaborative approach and key priorities: revitalising the local museum, supporting the Prince of Wales Theatre, and driving regeneration efforts.
The new deputy leader is Richard Craddock, a former Conservative and the sole councillor to retain his seat at the recent elections. The cabinet also includes freshly elected councillors Georgina Jeffery, John Parkes, Rhys Mandry, Mark Deakin, and Mandy Bell.
Historically, when no party commands a majority on Cannock Chase Council, coalition arrangements have occasionally formed, such as the 2023 alliance between Labour, Green Party, and Liberal Democrat members. However, no such coalition was announced at this year’s meeting.
Former council leader Tony Johnson has assumed the role of leader of the opposition. Emphasising cooperation, Johnson remarked, “No overall control gets a bad name – people sometimes think nothing can get done. I think if we work together for the benefit of the people of this district, if people play with a straight bat, we can get the work done that we need to do.”
Green Party group leader Andrea Muckley was elected chair of the council for the 2026/27 civic year, with fellow Green Darrell Mawle serving as vice chair. Muckley stressed professionalism and respect, acknowledging recent tensions but urging members to focus on serving the district.
Beyond Cannock, Reform UK has also taken control of Newcastle Borough Council with former MP Jonathan Gullis as leader. Staffordshire County Council’s Reform UK leader Martin Murray praised the party’s sweeping electoral success, including victories in Tamworth and Cannock, expressing optimism about collaborative governance across Staffordshire.