Potteries power grab? That's 'just plain daft' says city leader Jane

Moorlands leader among leading politicians discussed proposals to change local government with North Staffs Pensioners' Convention. Reporter Phil Corrigan was there too

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CLAIMS that a revamp of local government in North Staffordshire will mean a Stoke-on-Trent takeover are 'just plain daft', a council leader has said.

Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, was speaking during a discussion about devolution and local government reorganisation, hosted by North Staffs Pensioners Convention.

Councils across England are set to undergo their biggest shake-up in 50 years, as the Labour government looks to abolish the two-tier system and introduce new strategic authorities everywhere.

The NSPC invited council leaders in North Staffordshire to their monthly meeting to talk about what the changes will mean for the area, and discuss the options put forward.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is backing proposals for a North Staffordshire unitary authority, which would replace the four existing authorities covering the area. City councillors believe this would be more efficient and align with the area's economic geography. But critics in Newcastle and the Staffordshire Moorlands claim it would be a 'power grab' by Stoke-on-Trent.