Ashfield MP Dubs Deputy Council Leader a 'One-man crime wave'

The Reform UK Member of Parliament for Ashfield, Lee Anderson, has written to the Leader of Ashfield District Council calling on him to remove his Deputy from his post following his most recent conviction.

Councillor Tom Hollis pictured attending a previous court appearance.

Councillor Tom Hollis was this week convicted of criminal damage relating to a sheep eviction incident. Hollis' latest conviction follows his long criminal record of convictions including assault, harassment, careless driving, failing to declare a financial interest, being in charge of dangerously out of control dogs, and resisting a constable in the execution of his duty.

Lee Anderson MP took to social media to comment on the matter, saying that Councillor Hollis 'needs kicking off the council.' He continued 'He is Ashfields number one public nuisance in my opinion. A one-man crime wave.'.

The following day he posted again to social media to publicise a letter he had sent to the Leader of Ashfield District Council, Jason Zadrozny. The letter reads:

"Dear Councillor Zadrozny,"

"RE. THE MOST RECENT CONVICTION OF COUNCILLOR TOM HOLLIS"

"You will be aware that just this week Cllr Tom Hollis has once again been found guilty of criminal damage whilst trying to evict sheep from a field in Ashfield."

"Cllr Hollis now has a string of convictions as long as his arm including common assault, harassing neighbours, careless driving, failing to declare a financial interest in a property, being in charge of dangerously out of control dogs and resisting a constable in the execution of his duty."

"This Ashfield Independent councillor is a one-man crime wave and at a time when our local police are overstretched it is quite clear that your Deputy at Ashfield District Council is setting a poor example to the very people who pay his wages."

"Furthermore, you will be aware that Cllr Hollis’ numerous court appearances are only adding to the current backlog of court cases in the justice system, which the Justice Secretary David Lammy has used as an excuse to abolish jury trials in most cases. I know that you can personally empathise with this point given the significant delay of your own court case which is due to be trialled by a jury in Crown Court."

"I think it’s finally time you did the decent thing and removed Cllr Hollis from his position as Deputy Leader and replace him with someone in your party who has much more integrity.

"I am sure there must be someone who can step up to the role."

"Best Wishes,"

"Lee Anderson

Member of Parliament for Ashfield"