Jason Zadrozny resigns as leader of Ashfield Council after court conviction
Jason Zadrozny has resigned as leader of of Ashfield Council.
Zadrozny, 46, was found guilty on September 21 on nine counts of fraud and four of tax evasion by a jury at Northampto Crown Court with the judge telling him that he will be sentenced on November 27 and was ‘at risk of an immediate custodial sentence’.
Zadrozny has now resigned as council leader and also from the Ashfield Independents group.
However, he remains as a district councillor for now.
In a statement issued the following day, Zadrozny said: "Following the verdicts, I have decided to resign as leader of Ashfield Council."
"I am also resigning from the Ashfield Independents group with immediate effect.
"I am deeply disappointed by the outcome, but I respect the court and the important role of the jury in our justice system."
Zadrozny said he recognised the ‘importance of public trust in those who hold office and the concern this case has caused’.
He also apologised for the impact on residents in the district, and staff at the council.
Since his conviction, questions had been raised about whether Zadrozny could continue as council leader or as councillor.
Under the Local Government Act 1972, however, a criminal conviction does not automatically remove a member from Ashfield Council or his leadership position.
A councillor is disqualified only if sentenced to imprisonment for three months or more (including a suspended sentence), subject to appeals.
If a court convicts the council leader but issues a lesser sentence—such as a fine, community service, absolute discharge or a prison sentence under three months – they are not legally disqualified from remaining a councillor.
Zadrozny has now taken matters into his own hands by steppint down as leader of both the council and his party.
He already previously stated his intention to step down as a councillor regardless before year’s elections.
An Ashfield Council spokesperson said: “The council is looking at governance options that would elect a new leader as soon as possible.
“We will confirm details once those arrangements are in place.
“In the meantime, all council services will continue uninterrupted.”