MPs call for police investigation into district council

In a joint letter to the chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police, Lee Anderson MP (Reform UK) and Michelle Walsh MP (Labour) raised particular concerns over the appointment of the council’s former leader to Ashfield's planning committee, which came just a month after he had been convicted of fraud and tax evasion.

Cllr Jason Zadrozny was found guilty in September of nine counts of fraud for collecting funds for a non-existent local amenity group. He was also convicted of tax evasion. His sentencing is scheduled later this month.

He stepped down as leader and as a member of the Ashfield Independents Group following the conviction.

In their letter, the MPs said: "As Members of Parliament representing areas within the Ashfield District, we are writing to highlight significant concerns at Ashfield District Council and to urge you to launch a police investigation into the matters arising.

"Following the fraud conviction of former Council Leader Jason Zadrozny and his subsequent appointment to Ashfield District Council's Planning Committee, a number of facts and allegations have now come to light that are deeply concerning, and which we believe warrant an independent police investigation."

The letter said the issues relate particularly to Ashfield's planning department, as well as the authority's contract procurement processes.

It also revealed that the Government has ordered a rapid Best Value assessment of the authority in relation to their concerns.

Senior officials in the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) have meanwhile met with council representatives and the authority's external auditor.

The two MPs welcomed the Government's intervention but said: "We believe a police investigation is now necessary".

A spokesperson for Ashfield said the council has been proactively engaging with MHCLG following the conviction of its former leader and met on Tuesday to discuss the council’s position across a range of governance and best value themes.

In a statement, Ashfield's chief executive, Theresa Hodgkinson, said the MHCLG meeting involved discussions around governance arrangements "and how the council is committed to delivering best value for residents, following a number of matters raised publicly regarding the authority's governance and decision-making arrangements".

She said the council had proactively reached out to MHCLG several weeks ago and said that the council understands why recent events may have "damaged confidence" in the local authority.

She added: "Residents are right to expect the highest standards from those elected to represent them, and from their council, and while recent events cannot be changed, we are focused on rebuilding confidence in our council and maintaining services.

“We take any concerns raised about the council incredibly seriously. Where evidence is presented we have always and will always act appropriately and work with partner agencies where necessary."

Adam Carey