Understand
MP calls for government intervention after convicted councillor appointed to Ashfield planning committee
Overview
Sherwood MP Michelle Welsh has urged the government to intervene in the running of Ashfield District Council following the appointment of former leader Jason Zadrozny to the council's planning committee. Zadrozny was recently convicted of multiple counts of fraud and tax evasion. Welsh described the appointment as an outrage and a slap in the face for residents, calling for legislative changes to prevent convicted individuals from serving communities and demanding that Zadrozny resign entirely.
Key points
- MP Michelle Welsh has called on the government to intervene in the running of Ashfield District Council.
- Former council leader Jason Zadrozny was recently found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four counts of fraudulent evasion of income tax.
- Zadrozny was appointed to the council's planning committee following political balance requirements after his resignation from the ruling Ashfield Independent group.
- Welsh described the appointment as a 'slap in the face' for residents and called for legislation to stop convicted individuals from serving communities.
- Ashfield District Council stated that committee appointments are ultimately decided by elected councillors rather than officers.