Story perspectives

Reform UK Wins Council Majority Ahead of 2028 Unitary Shift

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Reform UK won a majority on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, taking 27 of 44 seats.
Jonathan Gullis, former Conservative deputy chair, became the council’s Reform UK group leader, appointed Graham Shaw as deputy leader and Olivia Wozny as secretary, and pledged to improve parks, high streets, landlord accountability and tackle anti-social behaviour.
Staffordshire councils will be replaced by unitary authorities in 2028, with a summer decision, halving councillors’ terms.

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Story summary

Reform UK won a majority on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, taking 27 of 44 seats.
Jonathan Gullis, former Conservative deputy chair, became the council’s Reform UK group leader, appointed Graham Shaw as deputy leader and Olivia Wozny as secretary, and pledged to improve parks, high streets, landlord accountability and tackle anti-social behaviour.
Staffordshire councils will be replaced by unitary authorities in 2028, with a summer decision, halving councillors’ terms.