John Knight to step down as leader of Ashfield District Council

He is stepping down in order to take up the position of Culture Committee Portfolio Holder at Nottinghamshire County Council.

John Knight who recently was returned to his seat on Kirkby North has been promoted by the council to chair the culture committee at the county council.

The new leader of Nottinghamshire County Council Alan Rhodes said that Labour rules said that councillors cannot hold two senior positions on Labour-led authorities.

He said: “I respect John for his decision to give up the leadership of Ashfield District Council and work with us here in this challenging and important role.”

John Knight said it had been a privilege to be the leader of the district council.

He said: “It has been challenging to run the authority in a time of great austerity and Government funding cuts, but I have always aimed for the best outcomes for the district.

“I hope to bring further positive outcomes for Ashfield through my new portfolio which is an exciting opportunity.

“I can also, in Ashfield, now concentrate on the regeneration of Kirkby which has always been my number one priority.”

This rule also affects Coun Steve Carroll, who is also to step down from his regeneration and housing portfolio at Ashfield to take up the position of business manager at the county council.

Said Coun Steve Carroll said: “I am extremely proud to have served the people of Ashfield for the past two years and I feel my greatest achievement has been encouraging the authority to build new social housing, which in the current climate is unique among district councils.”

For a full report see Wednesday’s Chad.