Local MPs confirmed as panellists for Staffordshire Gateway Growth Hub report launch

The labour MPs for Cannock Chase and Lichfield have been announced as the final panellists for the upcoming Staffordshire Gateway Growth Hub report launch.

Josh Newbury, Labour MP for Cannock Chase and Dave Robertson, Labour MP for Lichfield, will attend the event happening on Friday at The Hub at St Mary’s.

Josh won his seat at the 2024 election. Before this, Josh worked as a primary care communications manager at NHS Birmingham and Solihull and was a Councillor for Cannock Chase District Council from 2019 until his election to Parliament.

Before winning his seat at the 2024 election, Dave Robertson was an organiser for the NASUWT – The Teacher’s Union and a secondary school science teacher.

He was also a Councillor for Lichfield District Council from 2019 to 2025.

The Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel is a research exercise led by business, for business, working to develop a roadmap for unleashing the potential of Staffordshire Gateway businesses. 

Delivered by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Insight & Intelligence Unit, in partnership with the Lichfield & Tamworth, Burton and District, and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce, the Growth Panel will harness the knowledge of business across the region on key enablers for local economic growth.

To achieve this, the Chamber conducted both qualitative and quantitative research with business leaders across the geography, on their priorities, ambitions and the key barriers they’re facing.

The findings from the Growth Panel will be utilised to directly influence local, regional and national stakeholders. 

Ruth Fleet, GBCC senior policy advisor, said: “We are pleased to welcome Josh and Dave as speakers for this event, bringing valuable Parliamentary insight to the conversation on devolution.

“Regional MPs have been consistently supportive and engaged throughout this project, and the Chamber is committed to continuing this strong partnership as Staffordshire moves towards establishing a Strategic Authority.”

Pictured from left to right: Josh Newbury and Dave Robertson