Following the incredibly sad passing of Cllr Roger Jackson, by-elections will soon be held for Nottinghamshire County Council’s Southwell Division and Newark & Sherwood District Council’s Dover Beck Ward.
The Conservatives have selected Cllr Penny Rainbow as their candidate for the Nottinghamshire County Council Southwell Division by-election and Scott Carlton as their candidate for the Newark & Sherwood District Council Dover Beck Ward by-election.
Roger was a hugely respected local champion who worked tirelessly for the communities he represented. He continued attending council meetings and pushing for local projects right up until his passing – a testament to his extraordinary dedication to local people.
During his time as a Councillor, Roger helped deliver a strong record of investment across the area, including improvements to local roads. Major works were secured on the A612 Nottingham Road, including a new pedestrian crossing at Bulcote, resurfacing of the A6097 and Gunthorpe Main Street, significant investment in flood protection in Lowdham, and £1 million of feasibility funding secured to investigate improved access to Gunthorpe from the A6097.
Roger leaves a proud legacy of getting things done for local people, and Penny and Scott will work hard to build on that record.
Cllr Penny Rainbow, as a fantastic District Councillor for Southwell, worked closely alongside Roger and is committed to continuing his work at County Hall. Penny will continue fighting for safer roads, better infrastructure and protection across the Southwell Division which includes the villiges and towns of Lowdham, Southwell, Edingley, Thurgarton, Caythorpe, Hoveringham, Epperstone, Oxton, Upton, Normanton, Bulcote, Halam, Winkburn, Hockerton, Gonalston, Gunthorpe, Halloughton and Kirklington.
In Dover Beck, which includes Caythorpe, Oxton, Gunthorpe, Gonalston, Epperstone, Hoveringham and Thurgarton, Scott Carlton will build on Roger’s work as District Councillor by being a strong voice for local residents and ensuring the issues Roger championed continue to receive the attention they deserve. He will campaign for better transport connections, tackle fly-tipping and rural crime, and work with local communities and the police to make the area safer.
Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of the Conservative Opposition at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Roger was a friend, colleague and a true local champion. He cared deeply about all the communities within the Southwell Division and worked incredibly hard for the people he represented.
“His legacy is one of hard work, dedication and delivery – from improving our roads and transport infrastructure, protecting homes from flooding and fighting for investment and better services for local communities.
“Penny is a hard-working and committed local Conservative who understands the villages within the Southwell Division she is standing to represent. Penny will work tirelessly to honour Roger’s memory, build on his achievements and continue his proud record of getting things done for local people.”
Cllr Jack Kellas, Leader of the Conservative Opposition at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Scott will work tirelessly to continue Roger’s excellent legacy as Dover Beck’s District Councillor, making sure the progress Roger fought for is protected and that there is no let-up in campaigning for lower taxes, better services and safer communities.
“Roger leaves big shoes to fill, but Scott is determined to honour his legacy in ensuring Dover Beck has a strong voice by listening to local residents, standing up for our rural villages and delivering for the communities he represented so well.”
Cllr Smith, Cllr Kellas, Cllr Rainbow and Mr Carlton all said: “We send our very best wishes to Roger’s wife Jilly, his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”
