Midlands council leaders and chief executives have praised Prime Minister Gordon Brown for his decision to hold a cabinet meeting in Birmingham. Staffordshire CC leader John Taylor was among local authority representatives who took part in a question and answer session with ministers after the formal cabinet meeting. ‘I see it as a privilege to be able to represent the people of Staffordshire at high profile events such as this. Some commentators have said this was a stunt. ‘This didn't seem to be case and I hope this will be the first of many visits to the Midlands,' said Cllr Taylor. Stratford on Avon DC chief executive Paul Lankester said the event was ‘an opportunity not to be missed.'