Jason Zadrozny has stepped down as leader of Ashfield District Council following his conviction on fraud and tax evasion charges. The 46-year-old from Stanton Hill was found guilty at Northampton Crown Court on Monday after a four-week trial, and announced his resignation in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Zadrozny was convicted of nine counts of fraud and four counts of tax evasion. He was cleared of three other fraud charges in the same trial. According to court reporting from the hearing, the jury reached its verdict after approximately 10 hours and 47 minutes of deliberation.
In his resignation statement, Zadrozny said:
Following yesterday's verdicts, I have decided to resign as leader of Ashfield District Council.He also announced:
I am also resigning from the Ashfield Independents group with immediate effect.
Zadrozny acknowledged the court's role in the justice system, stating:
I am deeply disappointed by the outcome, but I respect the court and the important role of the jury in our justice system.He recognised the
importance of public trust in those who hold office and the concern this case has caused, and apologised for the impact on residents and council staff.
What was the alleged fraud scheme?
The conviction relates to a scheme involving the Ashfield Heritage Society, which Zadrozny established in 2018. He applied to Nottinghamshire County Council for funding, claiming the money would support heritage projects in the district. The authority approved the funds, which were sent directly to Zadrozny's personal bank account.
During the trial, evidence showed that £7,500 was requested just three days after opening a bank account for the society. Zadrozny deposited the council funds into his account and withdrew them in cash in March. Prosecutors alleged that part of the money was used to purchase a house with friends. Reports indicate that the total amount defrauded was approximately £9,000 to £10,300, though sources vary on the exact figure.
At the time of the offences, Zadrozny was serving as an Ashfield Independent county councillor. According to local reporting, he had led Ashfield District Council for the Ashfield Independents since 2018. He was unseated from his county council position by Reform UK in the 2025 local elections.
What happens next?
Zadrozny is due to be sentenced on 27 November 2026. The judge warned that he could face an immediate prison term, and he has been bailed pending sentencing. The sentencing hearing will also determine whether any custodial sentence meets the threshold for automatic disqualification from holding office.
