Concerns over council’s leader and deputy canvassing to become MPS
A COUNCIL leader says his authority will still be run effectively while both he and his deputy campaign to be MPS in the upcoming general election.
Councillor James Naish, who has led Bassetlaw District Council since September 2022, has just been chosen as Labour’s candidate in Rushcliffe for the next election.
The selection came after Bassetlaw’s deputy, Councillor Jo White, had already been chosen as Labour’s candidate in the district.
Given the time that both councillors could end up spending on campaigning as the election nears, particularly as Rushcliffe is an hour away from Bassetlaw, some opposition councillors on the authority have raised concerns.
Councillor Mike Introna, a Conservative Party councillor for Retford East, wrote: “Congratulations to James Naish for his selection as the prospective parliamentary candidate for Rushcliffe... So that is the leader of Bassetlaw District Council and deputy leader that will be out almost every day promoting, canvassing and generally working towards their election campaigns.
“So who will be running Bassetlaw District Council? How much of the over £30,000 in allowances are they paying back to the Bassetlaw District Council tax-payer?
“Who’s listening to residents on developments that contribute to flooding, getting developers to contribute to infrastructure, dealing with fly tipping, waste and also failing building companies and the growing losses? Fair play for them having a go, but who’s doing the day job?”
Councillor James Naish has now said in response:
“As an elected representative and council leader, I will continue to work with community groups and relevant organisations positively and proactively, as I have done since being elected. This includes driving forwards Bassetlaw’s involvement in the multi-billion-pound STEP fusion energy prototype plant, the £160m East Midlands Investment Zone and the implementation of over £60m of Levelling Up Funds as well as other council initiatives.
“I remain fully accountable and local people, including other councillors and officers, know how and where to contact me.” Councillor Naish was congratulated after his Rushcliffe selection by Tony Blair’s former communications director Alastair Campbell, who is his uncle.
Mr Campbell tweeted: “Absolutely delighted that James Naish [has been] selected as Labour candidate for Rushcliffe. Yes... he is my nephew. But he did [it] in the same way he does everything – hard work, getting on with people, and a deep belief in public service. He will be a formidable grassroots campaigner and a very good MP if he wins, just as he has been a terrific council leader.
“He has just knocked on hundreds of doors and had hundreds of cups of tea and chats. Well done Jamie. Proud of you.”
Councillor Naish will be standing against the Conservative incumbent in Rushcliffe, Ruth Edwards. Councillor White, the wife of Bassetlaw’s former Labour MP John Mann, will be standing against the current Conservative incumbent in Bassetlaw, Brendan Clarke-smith.