Stretton by-election: Meet the candidates

Voters in Stretton and Horninglow will go to the polls on Thursday 25 June to choose a new Staffordshire County Councillor. The Staffordshire Signal invited all four candidates standing in the by-election to share their priorities for the area.

Voters in the Stretton division will head to the polls on Thursday 25th June to elect a new representative to Staffordshire County Council following the resignation of former councillor Philip White.

The Stretton division covers the communities of Stretton and Horninglow on the northern edge of Burton upon Trent. The area faces a range of issues familiar to many local communities, including pressure on roads, healthcare services, school places and local infrastructure, alongside concerns around anti-social behaviour and public safety.

To help voters get to know the candidates standing in the by-election, The Staffordshire Signal contacted all four candidates and invited them to answer three questions about themselves, their priorities and what they would do if elected.

Three candidates responded before our deadline.

Shelagh McKiernan (Labour & Co-operative)

Shelagh McKiernan says her connection to the area is one of the main reasons she is standing for election.

“I’ve lived in Stretton for 24 years. I’m married with three grown up children and two grandchildren. It’s a beautiful place with everything you need to thrive.”

She says she regularly helps residents with local issues and believes her experience can help her deliver for the community.

“I love living here but there’s lots to do to make things better for people. I hear from people every day and help them sort out issues.”

A former NHS employee of 25 years, Shelagh has served on East Staffordshire Borough Council for 13 years, including a term as Mayor of East Staffordshire in 2024/25.

“I’ve built good relationships with many organisations including the Council, housing, police and voluntary groups. I worked for 25 years in the NHS so know my way around. I promise I can get things done.”

Looking ahead, she says improving infrastructure, public services and community safety would be among her priorities.

“We need better roads and infrastructure, safer streets, good schools and SEND provision. I’ve been a County Councillor before so can hit the ground running.”

Jonathan Pyke (Reform UK)

Jonathan Pyke says he is standing because residents deserve a councillor who is visible, accountable and focused on local concerns.

“I am standing for Reform UK because I believe local people deserve a councillor who listens, works hard and puts residents before party politics.”

He believes many residents are frustrated when decisions are made without sufficient consideration for their impact on communities.

“Councillors should be accessible, accountable and prepared to challenge plans that place further pressure on local services, roads and neighbourhoods.”

Housing development and the pressure it places on local infrastructure is a major concern for Jonathan.

“A major concern locally is the scale of proposed housing development and the pressure it could place on already stretched GP and dental services, schools, roads and other local infrastructure.”

He also highlighted traffic issues in Stretton and wider concerns raised by residents in Horninglow.

“Stretton is already heavily used by traffic travelling through to reach the A38, and many residents feel that further large-scale development will make congestion, road safety and parking problems worse.”

If elected, Jonathan says his focus would be on listening to residents and ensuring concerns are acted upon.

“I would make myself available, attend community meetings and ensure concerns are followed up rather than simply acknowledged and forgotten.”

He added:

“Above all, I would be a straightforward, persistent and visible representative for the whole division.”

Bernard Peters (Conservative)

Bernard Peters says his long record of public service and local knowledge would allow him to continue representing residents effectively.

“I was born in Burton on Trent and returned 30 years ago having taken early retirement from Rolls Royce Naval Marine based in Derby after 40 years service.”

Since returning to the area, Bernard has served as both an East Staffordshire Borough Councillor and a Staffordshire County Councillor.

“I have retained my seat since 2007. An opportunity was available in 2017 to stand as Staffordshire County Councillor and I retained my seat for eight years serving the people of Horninglow and Stretton.”

He says supporting community organisations and ensuring development is accompanied by appropriate infrastructure are among his key priorities.

“Being able to support the Priory Centre in Stretton and the Red Lion Community Hub in Horninglow is important as both venues have a great record of community support.”

“I am committed to holding to account housing developers to ensure provision is made to address infrastructure, healthcare, highways and the impact on local schools.”

Bernard also highlighted concerns around anti-social behaviour and policing.

“Anti-social behaviour remains a concern to many residents and I am convinced police visibility is so important as a meaningful deterrent.”

If elected, he says he would continue listening to residents and representing their views at County Hall.

“I will continue to listen to concerns and take them forward and be their voice at the County Council.”

Jack Mellor (Green Party)

The Staffordshire Signal contacted Jack Mellor and invited him to take part in this feature. No response was received before the publication deadline.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday 25 June.