Published: Wednesday, 10th September 2025
The Leader of Cannock Chase Council, Tony Johnson, is to step down from the role for health reasons.
Councillor Johnson announced that he will officially resign as leader on Wednesday 24 September.
He will continue in his role as Councillor for the district’s Chadsmoor Ward.
Councillor Johnson, 67, has served as a Labour councillor on Cannock Chase for a combined total of 25 years over two periods. He became council leader in 2023 - having previously held various roles including Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning.
He was re-elected following the District Council all out elections last year.
His deputy, Councillor David Williams, will take over the reins of Labour Group leader in an interim capacity. A new leader of the council is expected to be voted on by elected Councillors at a meeting of the full council on 24 September.
Councillor Johnson said: “I went into local politics to represent my community, and I am proud to continue to do this to the best of my ability. To serve as leader of the council area in which I was born and brought up has been an absolute privilege and something I had not set out to do.
“But there comes a time when you must listen to your body - and doctors - and do what is best for myself and more importantly my family. I have spoken at length to my family, friends, and close colleagues and they can understand why now is the right time to have made this decision.
“I am sorry to leave leading the council at such a challenging time in local politics but will remain as a back-bench Councillor and offer my full support to our administration as it navigates the future - especially with local government reorganisation seeing the abolition of Cannock Chase Council in 2028.”
He continued: “I would like to thank my colleagues and the dedicated council officers who have worked tirelessly to keep this authority afloat during challenging times.”