Government orders rapid review into Ashfield District Council

The government has ordered a rapid review into Ashfield District Council after concerns were raised about its leadership and governance.

In a letter to Labour MP Michelle Welsh, local government minister Jim McMahon confirmed he had ordered a “rapid best value assessment” to be carried out into the Nottinghamshire authority, which is run by Ashfield Independents.

It follows the conviction of the former council leader Jason Zadrozny, for fraud and tax evasion in September.

In his letter to Welsh, which she shared on social media on Saturday, McMahon said he had also asked senior government officials to seek an urgent meeting with the chief executive of the council.

The BBC has contacted Ashfield District Council for comment.

Zadrozny was accused of setting up a fake heritage group to defraud Nottinghamshire County Council out of thousands of pounds.

Prosecutors also alleged he failed to pay tax on four rental properties.

The 46-year-old was found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four counts of tax evasion, and is due to be sentenced on 27 November.