Prospective council leader chosen

Published: 15 May 2026

Image shows Jonathan Gullis standing outside Castle House — Jonathan Gullis pictured outside Castle House.

The largest political party on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has chosen its leader.

A meeting of Reform UK borough councillors elected Jonathan Gullis, who represents the Kidsgrove and Ravenscliffe ward.

Councillor Gullis will now be nominated to become the Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council at the authority’s annual meeting on Wednesday, May 20.

The party also elected Graham Shaw, councillor for Knutton, as its deputy leader.

The annual meeting will also hear who the members of the new Cabinet will be, and which responsibilities they will take on.

The position of Mayor and Deputy Mayor will also be filled on the night.

After the May 7 election, Reform UK holds 27 seats, Conservative 15 and Labour 2.