Will Barnish

Politics and Regeneration Writer. A GCSE student and Founder and Editor of the Audley Parish Newsletter. Passionate about politics, regeneration and local democracy, and committed to producing fair, balanced journalism that holds power to account.

MP's Voice: A New Government, A New Chance for Newcastle-under-Lyme

In his first column for The Staffordshire Signal, Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee reflects on the new government's first weeks, reindustrialisation, and what real recognition for Staffordshire could finally look like.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme with Prime Minister Andy Burnham

New role created as Staffordshire prepares for biggest local government shake up in decades

With Local Government Reorganisation gathering pace, Staffordshire County Council has appointed a new Cabinet Support Member to help steer one of the most significant changes to local government the county has seen in a generation.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

New role created as Staffordshire prepares for biggest local government shake up in decades

Dr Allison Gardner MP calls for Older People's Commissioner amid national social care debate

The Stoke-on-Trent South MP says older people deserve a stronger independent voice as social care returns to the national political agenda under new PM Andy Burnham.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

Dr Allison Gardner MP meeting with members of the North Staffordshire Pensioners' Convention

Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe By-Election: Meet the Candidates

Voters in Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe will go to the polls on Thursday 6th August to elect a new Kidsgrove Town Councillor. Ahead of polling day, The Signal invited every candidate to introduce themselves, outline the issues that matter most locally and explain why they are standing.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe By-Election: Meet the Candidates

MP's Voice: Why Local Journalism Is Worth Fighting For

In his first column for The Staffordshire Signal, Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell reflects on the collapse of local journalism, the rise of unregulated online "news" and why independent titles like this one matter more than ever for holding democracy together.

By Will Barnish

/ 28 Jul 2026

Twyfords demolition approved – but are we about to lose another piece of Stoke’s story?

One of Stoke-on-Trent's most recognisable industrial landmarks is set to disappear. But as the city searches for new homes and new investment, could this have been an opportunity to create something far greater?

By Will Barnish

/ 22 Jul 2026

Sean Massey wins Himley & Swindon by-election for the Conservatives

The Conservatives have retained the Himley & Swindon seat on South Staffordshire Council, while Labour held onto Manor Ward in Stafford in two local by-elections held on Thursday.

By Will Barnish

/ 22 Jul 2026

Sean Massey wins Himley & Swindon by-election for the Conservatives

Zanzibar development moves forward in creating 62 new homes

Construction is well underway on one of Newcastle-under-Lyme's most prominent regeneration sites, with the transformation of the former Zanzibar nightclub beginning to take shape.

By Will Barnish

/ 22 Jul 2026

Zanzibar development moves forward in creating 62 new homes

Plans Submitted to Transform Newcastle Bus Station

Plans aim to replace ageing shelters, improve passenger comfort and give Newcastle Bus Station a long-overdue facelift.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Plans Submitted to Transform Newcastle Bus Station

Severn Trent Under Fire (Again): Why MPs Are Challenging Multi-Million Pound Executive Pay

As MPs challenge executive bonuses, we examine whether Severn Trent's environmental record, rising customer bills and recent regulatory findings justify rewarding success - or expose a deeper crisis of accountability.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Severn Trent Under Fire (Again): Why MPs Are Challenging Multi-Million Pound Executive Pay

£20 million investment offers "huge boost" for Meir North

Hear about the new Pride in Place funding allocated to Meir North over the next 10 years, and what Cllr Lauren Davison and Dr Allison Gardner MP has to say about it.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

£20 million investment offers "huge boost" for Meir North

Councillors Approve £5.56 Million to Complete Former Debenhams Redevelopment in Lichfield

A landmark commercial site in Lichfield that stood empty after Debenhams' collapse is now a step closer to becoming a new leisure destination for the city, after councillors approved £5.56 million of additional funding on Tuesday evening.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Councillors Approve £5.56 Million to Complete Former Debenhams Redevelopment in Lichfield