Ten Ashfield Independent councillors resign after Jason Zadrozny's fraud conviction

Ten Ashfield Independent councillors quit the party this week after former leader Jason Zadrozny was convicted of fraud, leaving the group one seat short of a majority on Ashfield District Council. The resignations were confirmed on Thursday, bringing the number of non‑aligned independents to 13 while 18 Ashfield Independents remain. The move follows Zadrozny’s guilty verdict on nine fraud counts and four tax‑evasion counts handed down last month.

Zadrozny, 46, was found to have created a bogus heritage group to siphon thousands of pounds from Nottinghamshire County Council and to have failed to pay tax on four rental properties. He stepped down as council leader the day after the verdict but was later appointed to the authority’s planning committee, a decision that sparked outrage within the party. The judge told him he would be sentenced on 27 November and warned he was “at risk of an immediate custodial sentence”.

The wave of departures includes cabinet member John Wilmott, who also serves as a county councillor for Hucknall North, and council chairman Dale Grounds. Executive lead member for growth, regeneration and local planning Matt Relf called the decision “enormously upsetting”, saying the appointment of Zadrozny to the planning committee was made without consultation and breached the group’s principles of integrity. Hucknall Central councillor Lee Waters said his resignation followed a period of reflection and that he would continue to serve residents. MP Lee Anderson warned on Facebook that former Ashfield Independents would not be welcomed into Reform UK, and a protest outside the council house on Thursday decried Zadrozny’s continued presence on the council.

Samantha Deakin has taken over as council leader but declined a BBC interview, leaving many questions unanswered. With the party now teetering on the edge of losing its majority, the council’s ability to pass key policies may be hampered. Zadrozny’s sentencing later this month could further destabilise the group, and the upcoming leadership election will determine whether the independents can rebuild trust and retain control of the council.