St James (Dudley) Council By-Election Result: 🌹 LAB: 38.0% (+16.2) ➡️ RFM: 37.9% (-11.0) 🌳 CON: 13.8% (-0.1) ◼️ RES: 6.9% (New) 🌍 GRN: 3.4% (-7.2) No LDM (-3.9) or TUSC (-0.9) as previous. Labour GAIN from Reform UK. Changes w/ 2026.

Following careful consideration, I have concluded that it is in the best interests of Staffordshire, our residents and this County Council for me to step down as Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Leader of the Reform UK Group. This was a difficult decision, but the interests of Staffordshire, the Council and those we serve must come first. I do so with a clear conscience and immense pride in what we achieved together. During my time as Leader, we delivered a balanced budget, protected frontline services, secured significant investment in highways, children's services and community facilities, and provided stability through one of the most challenging periods in the County Council's recent history. I am particularly proud of the work undertaken to strengthen Staffordshire's identity, confidence and economic ambition. Through supporting investment, promoting county pride, strengthening skills and employment opportunities, and backing our tourism and leisure sectors, I sought to help unlock Staffordshire's potential and create opportunities for future generations. Whether supporting major investment, protecting Staffordshire County Farms or advocating for local businesses on the national stage, my focus was always on ensuring Staffordshire remained a county where businesses could invest, communities could thrive and residents could succeed. Staffordshire is home to some of our country's most successful global businesses and institutions, including JCB, Indurent, JLR, Finning, Keele University and Keele University Science and Innovation Park, alongside thousands of small businesses, from farm shops to engineering firms, from global manufacturers to hospitality venues and family-run enterprises. They are a reminder that Staffordshire remains one of the great manufacturing heartlands of Great Britain and a county with enormous potential for the future. I am equally proud of the work I started to raise the profile of Staffordshire's tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors. With the likes of Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Trentham Estate and Cannock Chase, together with the thousands of hotels, spas, glamping sites, restaurants, event venues and award-winning pubs that welcome visitors every year, Staffordshire has an offer few counties can rival. I have long believed that our county should be recognised not only as a centre of industry and innovation, but also as a destination where people come to relax, explore and create lasting memories. That is why we branded Staffordshire as The Nation's Playground. I have always believed Staffordshire deserved a stronger voice and greater recognition, and that's why I called Staffordshire: The Beating Heart of the Country. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Staffordshire and to work alongside dedicated councillors, officers, businesses, community organisations and residents. While my time as Leader has come to an end, my commitment to Staffordshire and the people of Cannock remains unchanged. I do wish the Council and its new leadership every success in the years ahead. Martin Murray Staffordshire County Councillor for Cannock Town

'You're so wrong!' Should we prepare for potential food shortages and power cuts, or is it the Government’s job to protect us? @IainDale, @Martha_Gill and @CarolineFlint debate.