Hucknall councillor welcomes new Ashfield Council leader - and says outgoing one should resign as a councillor
Hucknall councillor Lee Waters has welcomed the appointment of Coun Samantha Deakin as the new leader of Ashfield Council.
And he says former leader Coun Jason Zadrozny should now resign as a councillor and not just as council leader and as a member of the Ashfield Independents.
Coun Deakin (Ash Ind) was elected as the auhority’s new leader at a full council meeting on Monday, September 28, having been the only candidate.
Coun Waters (Ash Ind), said: “I wish Coun Samantha Deakin well as the new Leader of Ashfield Council and hope this marks a fresh start.
"We need stability, high standards and a renewed focus on serving residents, delivering good services and getting things done for our communities.”
Coun Zadrozny was found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four counts of income tax evasion at Northampton Crown Court on September 21.
The 46-year-old had led the authority on behalf of the Ashfield Independents since 2018, following an earlier stint as leader in the 2000s for the Liberal Democrats.
He resigned as council leader and leader of the Ashfield Independents just days after his conviction, but he remains as a councillor for the Larwood ward.
But Coun Waters feels Coun Zadrozny should now quit that role too and end his time on the council.
He said: “In my view, Jason Zadrozny should also resign as a councillor.
"His convictions for fraud and tax evasion are serious and have damaged public confidence.
"When the actions of individuals undermine that confidence, they make the job harder for everyone else who serves in public life.
There are many good councillors and council officers who work hard for Ashfield every day.
"Their work should not be overshadowed by the actions of others.
"It is time to move forward and get back to what matters – serving our residents.”