The Staffordshire County Council meeting on 22 May 2025 saw Councillor Paul Williams appointed as Chairman of the County Council, and Councillor Gordon Munro appointed as Vice-Chairman. Councillors also debated a motion on improving roads, and addressed questions on topics ranging from net zero initiatives to immigration. The council also approved a number of measures including the Staffordshire Household Support Fund, the Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme, and the Community Learning Accountability Agreement.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Paul Williams was elected as Chairman of the County Council, proposed by Councillor Gary Hales and seconded by Councillor Warwick McKenzie. Councillor Williams thanked the council and paid tribute to the outgoing chairman, Councillor Hewitt, and his consort Adrienne. Councillor Jill Hood praised Councillor Hewitt for his kindness, compassion, and sense of humour.

Councillor Gordon Munro was then appointed as Vice-Chairman of the County Council, proposed by Councillor Charlotte Kelly and seconded by Councillor Matthew Wallens. Councillor Munro thanked the council and acknowledged the service of the outgoing Vice-Chairman, Colin Greatorex, and his wife Donna.

Tributes to Retiring and Defeated Councillors

The council paid tribute to members not re-elected in the recent elections. Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, specifically thanked Councillor Alan White, the outgoing leader of the council, for his service and leadership. Councillor Syed Hussain acknowledged the contributions of several past councillors, emphasising the importance of civility and mutual respect within the council. Councillor Conor Wileman paid tribute to former councillors from East Staffordshire, including Philip Atkins, Bernard Peters, Julia Jessel, and Philip Hudson. Councillor Victoria Wilson also acknowledged the work of several former cabinet members and friends. Councillor Anne Edgeller thanked Jeremy Pert, Jonathan Price, and Mark Willington for their contributions, while Councillor Colin Greatorex acknowledged the service of Alan White, General Sylvester Hall, and Richard Cox.

Appointment of Leader of the Council and Cabinet

Councillor Ian Cooper was appointed as Leader of the Council, proposed by Councillor Tracey Dougherty and seconded by Councillor Rhys Mandry. Councillor Cooper then set the cabinet membership at nine plus the leader. He outlined his vision for the council, emphasising a focus on core services, accountability, and collaboration with partners. He also pledged to challenge national issues such as funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and local government reorganisation. Councillor Philip White congratulated Councillor Cooper and offered his support, while also noting the financial pressures facing the council.

Motion on Improving Roads

Councillor Jack Rose introduced a motion focused on improving roads, citing feedback from parish councils and borough councils. Councillor Angela opposed the motion, arguing that highways are a county issue and should be left to the county council. Councillor Syed Hussain supported the sentiment of the motion, highlighting the importance of addressing potholes and unsafe roads. Councillor Philip White also expressed support for the sentiment but stated that the Conservative group could not support the detail of the motion. Councillor Ian Cooper echoed these sentiments, and the motion ultimately failed to pass. Councillor Rose said that he would rework the motion and resubmit it in the future.

Questions from Councillors

Councillors posed a series of questions to the Leader of the Council and cabinet members. Topics included net zero initiatives, financial plans, diversity and inclusion, children's services, immigration, libraries, street cleaning, and highways maintenance. The new administration generally responded that they were reviewing the work of the previous administration and would provide detailed answers at a later date. Councillor Philip White asked Councillor Cooper to apologise for the cost of a by-election caused by the resignation of Wayne Titley, a Reform UK candidate, over an obscene social media post. Councillor Cooper declined, citing the hypocrisy of the Conservatives complaining about public spending given the cost of by-elections caused by Conservative MPs in the last Parliament.

Other Business

The council also approved the appointment of members to committees and outside bodies, and received a statement from the Leader of the Council.

Several decisions were approved:

• The proposed expenditure, volumes and delivery arrangements for the Round 7 Household Support Fund (HSF) in Staffordshire were approved.
• The spend plans for the Warmer Homes - Local Grant (WHLG) in Staffordshire were approved. The WHLG is the next phase of the Government strategy to tackle Carbon Net Zero by 2050 and fuel poverty by improving housing stock and will run for 3 to 5 years from 2025.
• The Community Learning Accountability Agreement 2025-26 was approved.