New cabinet led by Reform meets for first time

STAFFORDSHIRE County Council’s new leader has chaired his first public cabinet meeting after Reform UK swept to power in last month's elections.

- 

A sea of new faces gathered around the cabinet table at Stafford’s County Buildings as all members were newly elected to the county council just a few weeks ago.

Councillor Ian Cooper used his inaugural leader's update to reflect on the new administration's first six weeks at the authority, as well as highlighting the ongoing issue of SEND support and care funding it has inherited from the previous Conservative administration. He also paid tribute to Staffordshire residents named in the King’s Birthday Honours last week for their contributions to the county.

There were no references to recent controversies however, such as Stafford Pride’s demand for an apology from Councillor Cooper for comments made about its event funding, or the resignation of a Reform UK councillor less than two weeks after the election. Wayne Titley stood down from the Eccleshall and Gnosall seat after comments attributed to his Facebook account about illegal boat crossings came to light and a by-election to fill the vacancy will take place on Thursday, July 17, costing £27,000.