Your Voice, Your Village: Navigating the 2026 Staffordshire District Elections

Another spring brings another set of council elections to our doorstep in Staffordshire. On Thursday 7 May, residents across the county will head to the polls to decide who represents their interests at a local level.

History was made in the county last year when Reform UK swept to power with a huge majority to take control of Staffordshire County Council, ending 16 years of Conservative reign. Now, 2026 brings the ballot boxes to several of the county's boroughs. This includes an all-out election in Newcastle-under-Lyme, while in the south of the county, both Tamworth Borough and Cannock Chase District have a third of their seats up for grabs.

A Final Roll of the Dice?

These elections could see local authorities change hands between political parties, but they also represent a milestone for our region. This may be the last chance to vote before these councils are set to become abolished and replaced in a major shake-up of local government.

Ministers will make a decision on how the new authorities will be broken up, but the plan is for Staffordshire to potentially have a mayor overseeing two or three new unitary authorities. This means those councillors elected on 7 May in Newcastle, Tamworth, and Cannock might only serve 1 or 2 years in post before facing another vote.

Every Ward Up for Election

Across the county, specific wards are preparing for the ballot. Whether you are in the historic market town of Newcastle or the heartlands of Cannock Chase, here is the definitive list of where the votes will be cast.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council (All 44 Seats)

Newcastle is holding an "all-out" election, meaning every single seat on the borough council is up for grabs across its 21 wards:

• Audley (3 seats)
• Bradwell (3 seats)
• Clayton (1 seat)
• Crackley & Red Street (2 seats)
• Cross Heath (2 seats)
• Holditch & Chesterton (2 seats)
• Keele (1 seat)
• Kidsgrove & Ravenscliffe (3 seats)
• Knutton (1 seat)
• Loggerheads (2 seats)
• Madeley & Betley (2 seats)
• Maer & Whitmore (1 seat)
• May Bank (3 seats)
• Newchapel & Mow Cop (2 seats)
• Silverdale (2 seats)
• Talke & Butt Lane (3 seats)
• Thistleberry (2 seats)
• Town (2 seats)
• Westbury Park & Northwood (2 seats)
• Westlands (3 seats)
• Wolstanton (2 seats)

Cannock Chase District Council (13 Seats)

In Cannock Chase, a third of the council is typically contested, but this year 13 seats are up for election (including a vacancy in Hednesford Pye Green):

• Brereton and Ravenhill
• Cannock Longford and Bridgtown
• Cannock Park and Old Fallow
• Chadsmoor
• Etching Hill and the Heath
• Hawks Green with Rumer Hill
• Heath Hayes and Wimblebury
• Hednesford Green Heath
• Hednesford Hills and Rawnsley
• Hednesford Pye Green (2 councillors to be elected)
• Norton Canes
• Western Springs

Tamworth Borough Council (11 Seats)

Tamworth is voting by thirds, with one seat available in each of the following 10 wards, except Mercian, where two seats are being contested because of an additional vacancy:

• Amington
• Belgrave
• Bolehall
• Castle
• Glascote
• Mercian (2 seats)
• Spital
• Stonydelph
• Trinity
• Wilnecote

Essential Deadlines for Your Diary

To ensure your voice is heard, there are several key dates to remember. Only people who are registered will be able to vote. If you have moved recently, you must register again.

"There are some key deadlines approaching for anyone wishing to vote in the local elections this May. If you’re not registered or you don’t have an acceptable form of photo ID, you won’t be able to cast your vote. Paper application forms are available for anyone who prefers not to register online. Our Electoral Services team is ready to assist - just give them a call on 01543 464754."

— Chris Forrester, Returning Officer for Cannock Chase

The 2026 Election Timetable:

Voting in Person

Residents must ensure they have a valid form of photo ID if they plan to vote in person. If you do not have an accepted form of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online or via your local council until 5pm on 28 April.

From the future of our local services to the looming reorganisation of the county, the decisions made on 7 May will shape the landscape of Staffordshire for years to come. Make sure you are ready to play your part.