‘Collapse’ of Ashfield Independents predicted after councillor defects to Reform
The collapse of the ruling Ashfield Independents at Ashfield Councilm has been predicted after one of the party’s councillors defected to Reform UK following the conviction of former party and coumcil leader Jason Zadrozny for fraud and tax evasion.
Zadrozny was found guilty at Northampton Crown Court on September 21 of nine counts of fraud and four counts of income tax evasion. He led Ashfield District Council since 2018 but resigned as council and group leader the day after his conviction.
At a council meeting on September 28, Coun Samantha Deakin (Ash Ind) was chosen as the new leader.
However, no group members, including Deakin, spoke to the media and several councillors are now reportedly considering leaving the group.
One has already done so with Cou Warren Nuttall (Ref), who represents Greenwood and Summit, announcing he has joined Reform UK, saying Zadrozny ‘collapsed’ the group.
Despite his conviction, Zadrozny remains a councillor pending sentencing in November.
Coun Nuthall said: “I’ve been in politics too long to get dragged to the floor with it.
“There are a lot more who want to leave, they just don’t know which way to go.
"Jason has collapsed the Ashfield Independents.”
Coun Lee Waters (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall Central, has publicly called for Zadrozny’s resignation, stating his convictions have ‘damaged public confidence’ and ‘hinder the work of other public servants’.
He expressed hope for a fresh start under Coun Deakin’s leadership but said feelings within the group remain ‘raw and reflective’.
Coun Matt Relf (Ash Ind), the council’s lead member for growth and planning, said he sought the leadership but Deakin was the sole candidate at a private meeting.
He praised her capabilities and acknowledged the need for ‘fresh energy’ for the group’s future.
He also confirmed he will not stand in next May’s elections.
Earlier this year, Cllr Kier Barsby left the Ashfield Independents after criticising another party member’s conviction for criminal damage, declaring the group ‘done’.
Zadrozny’s fraud involved misappropriating public funds from Nottinghamshire Council grants meant for the Ashfield Heritage Society and the Classic Cinema Club.
Prosecutors said Zadrozny used the society as a ‘front’ to pocket money.
Ashfield MP Lee Anderson (Ref) has called for new political leadership in the area, stating that Reform UK will ‘drain the swamp at Ashfield next May’.