By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
A notice of vacancy has been issued and a by-election is now expected following the death of sitting Collingham Councillor Maureen Dobson.
The death of Councillor Dobson, who represented the area as an independent on both Nottinghamshire County and Newark and Sherwood District Council, was confirmed by her family on December 1.
The long-standing politician was described by fellow councillors as “formidable”, while her family paid tribute to a “beloved, devoted mother, grandmother, niece, friend and committed public servant”.
Following her death, a vacancy notice has been issued on Nottinghamshire County Council’s website – signalling a by-election for the seat will take place.
The council could not confirm the exact date for this by-election when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service but expects to provide further information next week.
The notice, issued on January 4, said: “Notice is hereby given … that a vacancy exists in the office of County Councillor for the Collingham Division.
“The vacancy has arisen due to the death of Councillor Mrs Maureen Dobson and their term of office would have ordinarily expired on May 2025.”
Cllr Dobson served as an independent on Newark and Sherwood District Council during various periods between 1978 and 2021.
A by-election is expected to take place for her Collingham ward on the district council following her death.
She also represented Collingham on Nottinghamshire County Council between 2013 and last year, successfully retaining the seat in May 2021’s election.
She sat most recently on the county council’s personnel and transport and environment committees, to which the authority’s chief executive Anthony May praised her “significant contribution to the work of the council”.
Cllr Neil Clarke (Con), chairman of the transport and environment committee, paid tribute to her work at the council and led a one-minute silence before Wednesday’s meeting.
He said: “She was a very forthright person and made some substantial contributions to the work of this committee. She will be very sadly missed because she made some very valuable contributions.
“I think it’s appropriate to stand for a few moments in tribute to Maureen.”
Speaking after her death was confirmed, Cllr Dobson’s daughter Rebecca Blackwood released a statement on behalf of the family.
She said: “We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved, Maureen Dobson, devoted mother, grandmother, niece, friend and committed public servant.
“Throughout Maureen’s life her character, independent principles, humour and optimism never wavered. She had an infinite capacity to get things done for others whilst she privately battled cancer.
“Her family and friends thank everyone for the expressions of love and support they have received.”
Alongside her work in politics, she was also a trustee of Headway Lincolnshire, Newark Community First Aid, and St Leonards Hospital Trust, and was also a supporter of the Trent Vale Trail.
Cllr Ben Bradley MP (Con), leader of the county council, added: “The community has lost a dedicated, energetic and formidable campaigner who put those she represented first.
“Maureen was hugely respected across the chamber and always had something to say. Debates were lively because of her character and simply will not be the same without her presence.”
