'Political assistants will not lead to one more pothole being filled'

Councillor 'astounded' by Reform UK plan

- Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

on political assistants has been condemned by an opposition councillor.

Cabinet members at Staffordshire County Council approved funding for the two roles at their meeting last week, saying they would assist the ruling Reform group and opposition Conservative group with 'research and analysis'.

But Tory county councillor Simon Tagg, who is also leader of Newcastle Borough Council, has criticised the decision, claiming it would not benefit people in Staffordshire. He told a meeting of the borough council the Conservatives' county council group would not be taking on a political assistant, and would formally challenge the decision.