Monday, 24 March, marked Cllr Sam Smith’s first 100 days as the Conservative Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council—a period of action, investment, and real progress for communities across the county.
At 28, Cllr Smith is one of the youngest council leaders in the country. He was elected as Leader at the Full Council meeting on 5th December, following the departure of former leader Ben Bradley. Before stepping up to the role, Cllr Smith served as the authority’s Cabinet Member for Education and SEND and has represented the Newark East division since 2021.
Reflecting on his first 100 days, Cllr Smith said: “It’s been an incredible start, and I’m so proud of what has already been achieved by my Conservative administration. We’re delivering on the priorities that matter most to residents—fixing roads, improving public transport, investing in education, and strengthening local services. There’s still plenty to do, but we’re making real progress.”
One of the biggest issues facing residents has been the state of Nottinghamshire’s roads. Cllr Smith has overseen a £3.3 million boost for highways repairs, which is already being put into action. Major resurfacing, drainage, and pavement improvements are planned over the next year, targeting key routes across the county.
On top of that, the council has secured additional funding through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), bringing the total Highways Capital Programme to £72 million this year. This extra funding means more resurfacing, pothole repairs, drainage improvements, and better footpaths.
“Fixing our roads is a top priority. We’ve listened to residents, secured extra funding, and are now delivering long-term improvements. People will start seeing the difference across Nottinghamshire in the coming months,” said Cllr Smith.
Bus services play a vital role in keeping communities connected. Under Cllr Smith’s leadership, the council has allocated £9 million to support and improve local bus routes, ensuring services remain reliable, particularly in rural areas.
Cllr Smith has visited transport hubs across the county, including Sutton, Newark, Beeston, Bestwood, and Bassetlaw, to see first-hand how this investment is making a difference.
“We know how important public transport is to people’s everyday lives—getting to work, school, or appointments. That’s why we’re investing to keep vital bus routes running and make sure services meet the needs of our communities.”
Providing high-quality education and support for young people has been another key focus. Under Cllr Smith’s leadership, the council has:
- Invested £30 million to expand SEND school places, including the soon-to-be-completed Horizons Academy in Mansfield, which will accommodate 160 pupils.
- Committed £2.5 million to refurbish High Oakham Primary School in Mansfield, ensuring it remains a modern, safe learning environment.
- Launched 10 new Family Hubs, with more on the way, to support families from pregnancy through to a child’s 18th birthday.
- Created hundreds of new childcare places, helping working parents access flexible, affordable childcare.
During Children’s Mental Health Week, Cllr Smith attended the NottAlone LIVE event, where hundreds of young people gathered to discuss mental health and well-being. He added:
“Every child deserves the best start in life. That means great schools, strong family support, and better mental health services. We’re investing in all these areas to make sure young people in Nottinghamshire can reach their full potential.”
Beyond roads and education, Cllr Smith has also led key improvements in local services, including:
- £14 million investment in libraries, ensuring they remain open, modern, and accessible. This includes the reopening of Hucknall Library, which has undergone a major renovation.
- Flood protection measures in Newark, helping residents protect their homes from future flooding.
- School parking enforcement initiatives, introducing camera cars and working with schools to improve safety outside the gates.
- Supporting youth services, with upgrades to facilities like the newly renovated Bircotes Young People’s Centre.
While much has been achieved in the first 100 days, Cllr Smith is clear that there is still more to do. He concluded: “We’ve made great progress, but this is just the start. Over the next year, my Conservative Councillor colleagues and I will keep working hard to improve our roads, invest in communities, and make Nottinghamshire an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
