Council leader asks MP Lee Anderson to put 'Ashfield people before politics'

When Mr Anderson got elected, I stood at the Festival Hall, shook his hand and offered to work with him to improve Ashfield – writes Jason Zadrozny - under a year later, I posted a video online, distancing myself from his mudslinging as it had got so bad.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The last year of lockdowns hasn’t been easy and I am proud that we maintained every service – we are delivering investments in parks, building a leisure centre and transforming our towns.

I’m proud to lead a council who have responded magnificently.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, one of the most challenging things we have had to deal with is the consistently disappointing behaviour of the MP.

Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council.Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council.
Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council.

Last December, Sutton was awarded £6.2 million via the Future High Streets’ Fund – a bid that your Council worked for two years to secure.

Just weeks before, Mr Anderson demanded the Government Minister’s office scrapped our bid – why?

Concern that the Ashfield Independents would be praised for their work.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Luckily the Minister didn’t listen, and the money was secured.

This didn’t stop the MP claiming credit, much to the shock of council staff and councillors who had really done the work.

The Ashfield Independents fight is for Ashfield, we don’t have time for tit-for-tat, and this must stop.

People need to come together for the good of our communities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We have always said we will set aside our differences and work with anyone to deliver positive things for our District.

Here is our offer to the MP – let’s draw a line in the sand and join us in putting Ashfield people before politics.

Let’s together make 2021 a much better year.

Lee Anderson’s column can be found here.

A message from the editor:

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever.

Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.

We stand together.

Nancy Fielder, editor.