Staffordshire council elections: Voters head to the polls
Voters in Staffordshire are heading to the polls today to elect their county councillors.
All 62 seats are being contested with the ruling Conservative group expected to retain control of the authority.
The Conservatives currently hold 34 seats compared to Labour's 22. There are five independents and one UKIP councillor.
Four years ago the Tories triumphed but since 2013 Labour and UKIP have lost councillors.
In total 253 candidates are standing.
Budget cuts, potholes, and the so-called tip tax have been major issues going into the campaign.
The Conservative group leader Philip Atkins while the Labour group leader is Sue Woodward.
Polls open from 7am until 10pm.
ExpressandStar.com will be bringing you live coverage of the results count on Friday, when the results are expected at around midday.
