Disgraced Councillor Tom Hollis has been dismissed as the deputy leader of Ashfield District Council after he was convicted of harassing two former neighbours and careless driving. Hollis, 29, had vowed not to resign after he was found guilty at two separate trials earlier this week, saying he wanted to 'move on' with his life.
Hollis was removed from his responsibilities by Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of the council led by the Ashfield Independents. Councillor Zadrozny recognised the work of his former deputy, saying Hollis had been responsible for the construction of new council houses in the district, and that his commitment had never been in doubt.
But Councillor Zadrozny said Hollis' position had become "no longer tenable" after Hollis indicated to the authority his intention not to fully appeal his convictions. It represents a U-turn after Hollis told Nottinghamshire Live outside the courtroom he did intend to appeal.
Read more: Disgraced councillor Tom Hollis vows to 'move on' and says he won't resign
Councillor Jason Zadrozny said: “Following the verdict last week on Councillor Hollis and his announcement of his decision not to fully appeal – I have taken the decision to remove Tom from his position of senior responsibility within Ashfield District Council, dismissing him as Deputy Leader of the Council. I have never had in any doubt Tom’s commitment to the people of Ashfield particularly his passion for Carsic, Huthwaite and Sutton.
"He has an incredible work rate and his track record of delivering positive outcomes for the residents from his area and the wider Ashfield community. Tom has been personally responsible for the building of the first new Council Homes since 1974, with now over 100 new homes on track.
"It was his personal negotiation that secured £3million in outside funding towards our new leisure facilities, he has done significant work that will last as a legacy for generations. The reality is however that his position as Deputy Leader of Ashfield Council is no longer tenable and is a distraction from the incredibly positive work that Ashfield is doing, and for which it is being recognised nationally.
“I was always clear that everyone should have the opportunity to clear their name. I understand fully Tom’s decision to now draw a line under the matter and move on but following his decision not to fully appeal, I am taking this step.”
Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live last week, Hollis, who represented Huthwaite and Brierley for the Ashfield Independents, said: "It takes a tough character to say, 'actually I'm going to move on and face it as I should do, be a strong person and accept what has happened and move past it'."
During the interview, Hollis, of Yew Tree Drive, Huthwaite, added he was "disappointed" at the guilty verdicts and said he planned to appeal. A petition had been set up demanding that Hollis be dismissed which led to more than 1,400 signatures.
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