By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A new Nottinghamshire County Councillor has vowed to fight ‘tooth and nail’ to bring A&E and emergency services to Newark Hospital.
Councillor Debbie Darby (Ind), the new councillor for Collingham, appeared at Nottinghamshire County Council’s full council meeting for the first time on February 24.
Councillor Darby secured almost 63.8 per cent of the vote to beat both the Labour and Conservative candidates during a poll on Thursday, February 17.
The vote was triggered by the death of previous councillor Maureen Dobson last year.
Cllr Darby won the seat with a 1,100-vote majority.
Councillor Darby paid tribute to her predecessor during the meeting, saying it was a “massive privilege” to be elected as the new councillor for the ward.
Longstanding independent Cllr Dobson died following a battle with cancer.
Cllr Darby: “I would like to send a message to every resident in the Collingham division, I will work hard for you whoever you voted for.
“This is as much a victory for our communities as it is a rejection of mainstream party politics.
“I would like to thank everyone who put their faith in me. I won’t let them down.
“I have loved bringing up my family in Newark, it is a great place to live and it can get even better.
“I will fight tooth and nail for A&E and maternity services at our hospital.”
She detailed how she will help residents in each area with issues including parking, potholes and speeding.
Tom Hollis (Ashfield Ind) said: “Shouting from the edges of the county is sometimes a tough place to be, particularly in the rural parts of councillor Darby’s division.
“I welcome you to the chamber and it is great to see someone with the level of passion and community spirit that you’ve got.”
Councillor Kate Foale (Lab) added: “If you represent your residents half as well as Maureen did, you will do a really good job.”
Councillors voted unanimously to note the election of Cllr Darby to the Collingham division.
