3
One week left to have your say on Staffordshire’s biggest council shake-up in 50 years
People in Stone and across Staffordshire have just over a week left to give their views on plans that could…
Author: Jon Cook
18th March 2026
Politics
Covering political news and stories from Stone Town Council, Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and our Member of Parliament. Check out our election coverage section when it’s election time.
Staffordshire County Council still without permanent leader after three months
A permanent leader has still not been selected to head up Staffordshire County Council – three months after a former…
Author: Kerry Ashdown, Local Democracy Reporter
16th March 2026Stone council warns of confusion under North Staffordshire proposal
Stone community leaders remain “totally opposed” to the town forming part of a new North Staffordshire council as part of…
Author: Jon Cook
4th March 2026Calls for stability as county council remains without permanent leader
Staffordshire County Council remains without a permanent leader following a heated meeting where members accused one another of “hurtful comments”…
Author: Kerry Ashdown, Local Democracy Reporter
17th February 2026Sean Bagguley appointed to senior finance role at County Council
A county councillor representing part of Stone has taken on a key role overseeing council finances. Sean Bagguley, who represents…
Author: Jon Cook
17th February 2026Sir Gavin Williamson MP visits Alleyne’s Academy
A group of sixth form students at Alleyne’s Academy welcomed their local MP into school last week. Sir Gavin Williamson…
Author: Jon Cook
17th February 2026Sir Gavin Williamson calls for ban on non stun animal slaughter
Stone MP Sir Gavin Williamson has called for a total ban on the non stun slaughter of animals, in comments…
Author: Jon Cook
28th January 2026Leader defends scrutiny of Reform UK’s first county council budget
Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader has hit back at claims there has not been enough scrutiny of Reform UK’s first…
Author: Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter
27th January 2026Staffordshire council seeks urgent talks after rail line plans revealed without consultation
Staffordshire County Council was not consulted about plans for a new rail line between Manchester and Birmingham before they were…
Author: Jon Cook21st January 2026Calls for stronger scrutiny over county council’s £840m budget plans
Councillors have called for greater scrutiny of their authority’s £840 million budget for next year. UPDATE 27th January 2026 -…
Author: Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter16th January 2026Are Stone local elections being cancelled or postponed?
Concerns about cancelled or postponed elections have been raised recently during discussions around local government reorganisation. For some residents, the…
Author: Jon Cook
16th January 2026Tensions surface in Reform group over handling of missing children interviews
A senior Reform UK councillor has criticised a cabinet colleague for calling in one of his own decisions, following a…
Author: Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter12th January 2026Council tax in Staffordshire set to rise by 3.99 per cent under Reform-led budget
Staffordshire County Council is planning to increase council tax by 3.99 per cent for the 2026/27 financial year, under the…
Author: Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter6th January 2026Councillors question decision to halt some missing from care interviews
Councillors have raised concerns over a decision by Staffordshire County Council to stop funding some return home interviews for children…
Author: Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter
1st January 2026County council leader steps down after Reform UK expulsion
Ian Cooper has resigned as leader of Staffordshire County Council, a few days after he was removed from Reform UK…
Author: Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter9th December 2025Reform UK looks into social media posts linked to Staffordshire council leader
Reform UK is investigating social media accounts linked to Staffordshire council leader Ian Cooper after Hope Not Hate highlighted a…
Author: Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter4th December 2025
