Mansfield mayor explains decision to stand in Nottinghamshire County Council elections
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Mr Abrahams’ decision to stand in this year’s Nottinghamshire County Council elections was met with scepticism from some residents, while his political rivals have questioned the logistics of a dual role.
The Labour Group leader on the district council, who was elected mayor in 2019, is one of 12 candidates battling for two seats which are up for grabs in Mansfield South.
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Hide AdAnd Mr Abrahams explained why, like Mansfield MP Ben Bradley, he has decided to stand in the election.
"The decisions that have been taken at County Hall, with respect to social care, highways maintenance, waste management and education for the last four years affect all the residents of Mansfield,” he said.
"As one of the principal drivers of the Mansfield Health Commission, which brings together policy makers from the NHS, GP Surgeries, West Notts College, Nottingham Trent University and the Voluntary Sector, it makes perfect sense to have a strong voice at county to amalgamate social care and education policy so that we all move forward in the same direction together instead of working separately.
“Besides promoting progressive forward thinking policies on social care, transportation and education, the other major issue I will defend at County Hall is local democracy.
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Hide Ad"Last year’s failed attempt at County Hall to force a single unitary council will be coming back and I believe that it is so important for Mansfield district to retain it’s significant historical identity and not ‘be swallowed up’ by the single county model that has been proposed.
“I am not opposed to any democratic proposals to improve the efficiency of local government but it has to be done in proper consultation with the residents and that’s why we need a strong voice who knows and believes in Mansfield at the negotiating table.”
As well as Mr Abrahams, also standing in Mansfield South are: Thorsten Altenkirch (Liberal Democrats), Kevin Brown (Mansfield Independents), Andre Camilleri (Conservative), Bill Drewett (Mansfield Independents), Robert Elliman (Conservative), Steve Garner (Independent), Sadie Kime (Independent), Maxi Leigh (Labour), Andy Rimmer (Liberal Democrats), Andy Sissons (Independent), Paul Tooley-Okonkwo (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition).