Introduction

The Chairman is elected by the whole county council to chair and control the proceedings of full council meetings in a non-political, fair and neutral manner, ultimately having the 'casting vote' on the decisions made.

All full council meetings are webcast and can be watched online. 

What does the Chairman do?

• Hosts receptions, afternoon teas and celebration evenings to show the county's appreciation for services given to the people of the county by communities, volunteers, groups and individuals.
  
  
• Promotes the objectives and services of the county council and Staffordshire itself.
  
  
• Supports the core values with the council's Strategic Plan 2022 to 2026.

The current Chairman and Vice-Chairman were elected on 23 May 2019.

You can view a list of past chairmen from 1889 to present day.

Chairman – Paul Snape

Paul was born in Wednesfield, Staffordshire, and educated both locally and in Romsey in Hampshire. He is a graduate of Wolverhampton Polytechnic, now Wolverhampton University. He has spent all of his working life in the Midlands area. Firstly as a Police Officer for over 30 years and since retirement in 2008 as a self-employed Legal Advisor and Lecturer. He is involved in various charitable and social organisations throughout Staffordshire and has a keen interest in European and Middle Eastern History. He is a supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. He is married to Susie and they have two children, Daniel and Charlotte.

He has been a member of the Conservative Party since 2009 and a District Councillor in Cannock Chase 2011-2019. In May 2017 he was elected to Staffordshire County Council and represents the Cannock Town Division.

His wife Susie supports Paul  as the Chairman's Consort.

Vice-Chairman – Phil Hewitt

Phil was born in Walsall and moved to Cannock Chase 40 years ago. He was elected as a County Councillor in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. He worked for Glaxo Smith Kline in various sales management roles for over 40 years before taking early retirement in 2018. He has spent a large part of his life working as a volunteer with young people, involved extensively with youth football and church youth clubs. He is also a District and Parish Councillor.

His wife Adrienne will be his consort, she is a District Councillor she was originally from Coventry but lived in South Africa for 20 years. Phil and Adrienne are both widowed and have two children each, with four grandchildren.