Izzy Lepone 29 September 2026

Ashfield DC welcomes new leader after predecessor convicted

Ashfield DC welcomes new leader after predecessor convicted image
© Sorapop Udomsri / Shutterstock.com.

A new leader of Ashfield District Council has been appointed to replace the former head, who was recently convicted of fraud.

Cllr Samantha Deakin has been selected as the new leader of the local authority following a meeting yesterday, which saw her win by 21 votes to one with one abstention.

The switch comes after former leader Jason Zadrozny resigned last week, after being found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four counts of tax evasion.

In a statement, Cllr Deakin said she is ‘honoured’ with the appointment but acknowledged that ‘these have been challenging days’.

She added: ‘I have taken on this role not out of personal ambition, but to ensure we continue the work we were elected to do, from building more quality council homes and improving community safety, to investing in our parks, supporting local businesses, and driving regeneration.

‘Over the months ahead, I want to work collaboratively with councillors, officers, partners, businesses, community organisations, and residents to make Ashfield even stronger.

‘We will continue to deliver with professionalism, determination, and a clear focus on the people we serve. My aim is simple: to leave Ashfield in a better position than we found it.’

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