The borough also includes the towns of Stone and Eccleshall, as well as numerous villages and surrounding rural areas.

[3] Stafford was formally incorporated in 1614 by a charter from James I, which also granted the right to appoint a mayor.

[5][6] The municipal borough was subsequently enlarged several times to take in the town's growing suburbs, notably in 1917 when it gained areas including Tillington, and in 1934 when it gained areas including Baswich.

[9] Stafford's borough status transferred to the new district from its creation, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor, continuing Stafford's series of mayors dating back to 1614.

Much of the borough is also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government.

Political control of the council since 1974 has been as follows:[16] The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Stafford.

[34][35] Full council meetings are held at County Buildings on Martin Street.