Disgraced ex-council leader Jason Zadrozny quits as councillor after judge told him he could face jail

A disgraced former council leader who could face prison after being convicted of fraud and income tax evasion has resigned as a councillor.

Jason Zadrozny, who was the leader of Ashfield District Council, could be sent to prison later this month for stealing thousands of pounds from Nottinghamshire County Council by setting up a fake heritage organisation.

The 46-year-old stepped down as leader and resigned from the Ashfield Independents party after he was found guilty in September, but remained a councillor and was given a seat on the district council’s planning committee.

On Thursday, Ashfield District Council said Zadrozny has now resigned as a district councillor for Larwood ward with immediate effect.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “We can confirm Cllr Zadrozny has formally resigned as district councillor for the Larwood ward.

“In accordance with electoral legislation, no by-election will be held before the scheduled local elections on 6 May, 2027.

“The councillor position will therefore remain vacant until the elections take place.”

National electoral law means if a vacancy occurs less than six months before a scheduled local election, no by-election takes place.

Last month, the Government ordered a rapid review into Ashfield District Council after concerns were raised about its leadership and governance.

Michelle Welsh, Labour MP for Sherwood Forest, and Lee Anderson, Reform UK MP for Ashfield, said they “welcome this intervention from the Government”, but believe a police investigation is “necessary”.

Ms Welsh and Mr Anderson sent a joint letter to the chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police, Steve Cooper, saying they had learned of “deeply concerning” allegations.

They said the alleged issues relate to the council’s planning department and the authority’s contract procurement processes.

Several councillors for the Ashfield Independents group, which has control of the council, quit the party after Zadrozny was convicted.

Prosecutors told a four-week trial at Northampton Crown Court that Zadrozny, who was first elected to Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council in 2007, helped himself to cash from the Ashfield Heritage Society, which he set up in February 2018.

Jurors were also told that he was a landlord who did not pay tax on income from four of his properties.

Zadrozny was found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four counts of fraudulent evasion of income tax.