Former Ashfield District Council leader convicted of fraud quits as councillor

Labour MP Michelle Welsh, whose Sherwood Forest constituency covers part of the Ashfield district, called the appointment a “serious failure of judgement by those who supported it”.

A rapid review into the district council was ordered by the government in October after concerns were raised about its leadership and governance.

Responding to a question from Reform UK MP for Ashfield, Lee Anderson, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “We are monitoring the situation. I won’t say any more than that at this stage but he has the clear offer of a meeting.”

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 the Ashfield Independents.

Both Welsh and Anderson then called for police to investigate “significant concerns” about the authority, specifically issues that “relate particularly” to the council’s planning department, as well as the council’s procurement processes.

In response, a spokesperson for the council said it ensured “decisions are lawful and properly governed”. Nottinghamshire Police was contacted for comment.