New mayor the second in family to hold role

Jenny Barron left the Conservative group to become an independent councillor in 2022

Jenny Barron has been sworn in as the Mayor of the Stafford borough.

The local councillor becomes the second member of her family to hold the role, after her husband Ray Barron served in the same position from 2018 to 2019.

Barron said she felt "honoured" to be taking over the mayoral chains from councillor Frank James.

She will spend her civic year helping to raise funds for Staffordshire Women's Aid and Stafford Community Link, which helps people who struggle to use public transport.

At a ceremony at the Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford on Saturday, Barron said it was a very humbling experience.

She said: "How many times have we proudly heard that our borough is seen as the volunteering capital of the country?

"We have huge numbers of selfless people, dedicated to helping others less fortunate than themselves.

"They give such a lot and ask for very little in return."

Both Barron and her husband represent the Weeping Cross and Wildwood Ward on the council.

In 2022, they both left the Conservative group to become independents.

Councillor Andy Cooper, another former mayor, will be the new deputy mayor.