By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Bassetlaw District Council’s new leader and deputy leader say the district has an exciting future ahead as they’ve assumed their roles.
Cllr Julie Leigh (Lab) was elected as the authority’s new leader after Cllr James Naish stepped down to focus on his new role as Rushcliffe MP.
Cllr Jonathan Slater (Lab) has become the deputy leader, replacing Cllr Jo White, now Bassetlaw’s MP.
They said the district’s days of being ‘left behind’ have ended as they were elected at a full council meeting on Thursday (July 25).
Bassetlaw has attracted £40m of Levelling Up funding over recent years, with an extra £20m announced in March to address the area’s ‘deep-rooted’ challenges.
The West Burton power station has also been named as the preferred location for the world’s first nuclear fusion prototype, known as the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).
Cllr Leigh told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s an incredibly exciting time for Bassetlaw.
“We’ve been left in a really good position by the previous leaders. I want to start working on things that make a real difference like getting the town centres regenerated.
“There’s a feeling we’ve been left behind over quite a few years – that’s changing now with the money we’ve had from the government.
“We’re also heavily involved with STEP, which will make a massive difference over the next 30 to 40 years.
“Over the last few years we’ve had reducing budgets and had to continue with far less money and far less staff. Once we know about the new government plans, we’ll know more about how we move forward.”
She added: “Jo and James were excellent leaders. I know they’ll continue to make a huge difference locally but also make a huge difference in government policy.”
Cllr Leigh is the authority’s first female leader, serving alongside Bassetlaw’s first female MP and the East Midlands’ female elected mayor, Claire Ward.
She has represented the Worksop South ward since 2011, and will take over the portfolio for Communications, Policy and Performance.
Cllrs Naish and White were unable to be at the meeting due to Parliamentary business, although they remain as district councillors.
Deputy leader Cllr Slater said: “There’s a lot going on with Levelling Up funding for Worksop, Retford and rest of the district. The STEP project will bring £28b investment and housing.
“We’re excited to have a new Labour government committed to devolution. Hopefully we’ll be getting new powers as a council and be able work closely with Claire Ward to deliver services for people locally.
“We’ve got an opportunity to make long-lasting changes for the better – not just creating high-quality opportunities but attracting new residents to the area.”
He added Bassetlaw was well placed to work with both the East Midlands and the South Yorkshire devolved authorities, as well as the proposed one over the border in Lincolnshire.
Cllr Slater, who represents Retford North, will continue as Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates.
