Published: Thursday, 21st May 2026
The new leader of Cannock Chase Council is Paul Jones.
Councillor Jones is the Reform Group leader on the district council and represents the Hednesford Green Heath Ward. He was voted in as leader at the annual council meeting yesterday evening (Wednesday 20 May).
He takes over from Steve Thornley.
The current political make-up of the council is that Reform has 14 seats, Labour 10 seats, with eight seats for the Conservatives, three for the Green Party and one Independent.
As well as leader, Councillor Jones will have Local Government Reorganisation and Regeneration as part of his portfolio. He is also the Staffordshire County Councillor for Cannock Chase - Hednesford North division.
He appointed six fellow Reform councillors to his cabinet. His deputy leader will be Councillor Richard Craddock, who represents the Cannock Longford and Bridgtown Ward.
Councillor Jones said he wanted to work with the other parties on the council for the benefit of the community.
Councillor Andrea Muckley (Green) was elected as chair of the council.
The changes in roles at the council followed elections earlier this month. The full election results can be found here