Ashfield District Council Leader Cllr Jason Zadrozny has announced that he will be stepping away from politics when his term concludes in 2028.
Following the Annual Council Meeting held on 18 May 2026, Cllr Jason Zadrozny said: “Today, after almost 20 years in local government, and with immense pride, I’m announcing that I will step away from politics when my term concludes in 2028.
“From starting as one of the youngest councillors in the Chamber to becoming the youngest Council Leader in the country, it has been the honour of a lifetime to serve Ashfield — the place that raised me, shaped me, and will always be my home.
“I still smile at the memories of those early days — knocking on doors in every kind of weather, delivering leaflets with frozen fingers, and persuading colleagues to campaign in conditions better suited to polar explorers. But what mattered then, and still matters now, were the conversations — with residents who simply wanted to be heard, supported, and believed in.
“Those voices have guided everything we’ve done.
“There are moments in leadership when you carry unseen burdens and must make difficult decisions knowing they will not please everyone.
“Over the past twenty years, politics has become harsher, more personal, and at times more challenging, with attacks that go beyond policy and into character.
“While those challenges have taken their toll on not only me, but also those I hold close, I have always believed that opposition is essential to a healthy democracy.
“Public service comes with pressure, sacrifice, and, at times, very real personal cost. Politics has changed over the years, and not always for the better. But I have never doubted why I entered it: to fight for this district and the people in it.
“And fight we did.
“Together, we’ve delivered real change — from long-promised facilities to major investment — proving that with determination and belief, Ashfield will not be left behind.
“Over the past two decades, we have delivered real, lasting change for Ashfield. Together, we secured more than £100 million in regeneration funding, transforming our towns and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
“We have seen major town centre regeneration in Kirkby, Sutton and Hucknall, breathing new life into our high streets and restoring pride in our communities. The development of the Sherwood Observatory into a science and visitor attraction has put Ashfield on the map in a completely new way, inspiring learning and drawing visitors from across the region.
“We have invested in skills and education, helping people of all ages access training and opportunities for the future. We have supported new housing and the redevelopment of brownfield land, ensuring growth while making the best use of our existing spaces. And after many years of ambition and planning, we have delivered the long-awaited leisure centre in Kirkby — a project that will benefit generations to come.
“We have also celebrated what brings our communities together, including the return of Ashfield Show — a proud tradition that reflects the spirit, resilience, and identity of our district.
“These achievements reflect not just investment, but belief in Ashfield and its future.
“Because this place is special. Built on resilience, community, and people who look out for one another.
“Serving them has been the greatest privilege of my life.
“To my colleagues, officers, partners, and even those who have challenged me — thank you. Most of all, thank you to the people of Ashfield. You have given me more than I could ever repay.
“Ashfield is a truly remarkable place and as the next generation of leaders take the reins, I will continue to cheer on the place I call home.
“Looking ahead, as Ashfield moves into a new chapter of local government, I wish those who will represent our area every success, including our Members of Parliament, and particularly Lee Anderson, to whom I offer my congratulations on his new role as party chairman.
“I wish them every success, because when those who represent Ashfield succeed in bringing opportunity, investment and progress to our communities, it is the people of Ashfield who benefit. And ultimately, that is what matters most.
“While I will not be standing for this local council again, I will never stop caring deeply about this district or the communities that have given me so much.”
