MP says district council has 'lost moral compass'

A Labour MP has called on the government to step in over the running of a local council.

Michelle Welsh, whose Sherwood seat in Nottinghamshire includes part of Ashfield District Council's area, said she was "outraged" and "disgusted" by the appointment of former leader Jason Zadrozny to the planning committee.

Last month, Zadrozny was found guilty of fraud and tax evasion linked to a fake heritage group and property he owned.

Welsh said there were wider problems at the council, and the appointment was "an absolute slap in the face" for residents.

Any council's committees are required to reflect the political balance of the authority.

Zadrozny's resignation from the ruling Ashfield Independent group meant there were now three non-aligned Independents, which entitles them to one seat on the planning committee.

Speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham, Welsh said: "I'm outraged, I'm disgusted.

"I just can't believe we have got into a situation where somebody who has been convicted, not just charged, convicted for nine counts of fraud and four counts of fraudulent evasion of income tax is then appointed by his colleagues in a position that will make lifelong decisions on the people of Hucknall and across Ashfield.

"There's nothing about this that feels right."

She also said there were wider problems at the council and called for a change in the law.

"There are serious issues within that council," she said. "I have raised it with the highest people in the department for local government and I won't stop.

"I believe the government needs to intervene in that council because the moral compass is clearly not there.

"When you are convicted of fraud as he has been done on taxpayers' money, there should be legislation that says you can no longer serve the people of that community."

She also called on Zadrozny to stand down from the council entirely.

Ashfield District Council said decisions over councillor and committee appointments were ultimately for elected councillors. Officers can advise them, but cannot change or overturn decisions that have been lawfully agreed.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "We are monitoring the situation at Ashfield District Council carefully and in line with usual practice, are engaging with the council to ensure we're satisfied they are taking all the necessary steps to maintain good governance."

The prime minister's office has been approached for comment.

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