No overall control for Cannock Chase District Council despite Reform clean sweep

Reform UK led a clean sweep of the Cannock Chase District Council elections last week, securing all 13 places that were up for grabs.

Despite the gains, no party has reached the 19 seats required to establish a majority with 14 seats for Reform, 10 for Labour, eight for Conservatives, three for Greens and one independent seat.

The newly elected councillors are;

Michael Sheppard (Reform UK) - Brereton and Ravenhill

Richard James Craddock (Reform UK) - Cannock Longford and Bridgtown

Mandy Jane Bell (Reform UK) - Cannock Park and Old Fallow

Alex Robert Hunt (Reform UK) - Chadsmoor

Steven Deakin (Reform UK) - Etching Hill and The Heath

Melissa Kirsty Cecil (Reform UK) - Hawks Green with Rumer Hill

Daniel Paul Cecil (Reform UK) - Heath Hayes and Wimblebury

Mark Deakin (Reform UK) - Hednesford Green Heath

Rhys Anthony Mandry (Reform UK) - Hednesford Hills and Rawnsley

Robert Arron Branson (Reform UK) - Hednesford Pye Green

Graham Terence Millington (Reform UK) - Hednesford Pye Green

Georgina Ellen Jeffrey (Reform UK) - Norton Canes

John Parkes (Reform UK) - Western Springs

Speaking about the results, business leaders in Cannock stressed the need to put the district and its people first when discussions start to form a coalition.

David Mitchell, president of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses across Cannock Chase will want to see elected members work constructively together and put the interests of local people and the local economy first.

“At a time when many firms are still managing rising costs, recruitment pressures and wider economic uncertainty, stable decision-making and strong collaboration will be important in maintaining confidence across the district.

“Cannock Chase has a diverse and ambitious business community, from independent traders and SMEs through to larger employers, and it is vital that their needs are understood and reflected in decisions made at council level.

“As an apolitical Chamber, we look forward to working with elected representatives from across the council to support economic growth, encourage investment and help ensure Cannock Chase remains a strong place to live, work and do business.”

Richard Brooks, head of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, said: “As an apolitical organisation, the Chamber’s role remains consistent regardless of which party leads locally.

“Our focus is always on representing the needs of our members and the wider business community, making sure that local decision-makers understand what businesses need to grow, invest, recruit and succeed.

“Following the local election results in Cannock Chase, we look forward to working constructively with the new district council and its elected members.

“Businesses across Cannock Chase need strong local leadership, clear engagement and practical support on the issues that matter, from town centre regeneration and skills to transport, infrastructure, investment and local economic growth.

“The Chamber will continue to be a clear voice for business, lobbying on behalf of our members and working with partners across the district, regardless of political sideway, to help ensure Cannock Chase remains a place where businesses can start, grow and thrive.”