Tories lose council control

The Conservative party alliance which has run Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for the last four years has been voted out.

The group, led by Cheadle West councillor Ted Perry, failed to win any votes at a meeting of the full council on Saturday.

Instead, a new alliance of Ratepayers, Liberal Democrats and Independents has taken control.

The new Ratepayer group will be led by Cheadle North East councillor Ron Locker, who will also be leader of the council.

New roles

While Ipstones councillor Linda Malyon has been appointed deputy leader.

The role of chairman of the council has gone to Endon's Christina Jebb and Pat McGarry, who has been on the council for more than 20 years, is now vice chairman.

A meeting is being held at Moorlands House on Monday to confirm the councillors' new roles.

It will also decide who will head up the new cabinet system.