Michelle Welsh MP

Member of Parliament for Sherwood Forest 🌹 National Maternity Advisor & Chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group for Maternity

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

Let me be clear: Jason Zadrozny’s resignation does not wipe the slate clean. It does not erase his behaviour, undo his decisions or remove the need for accountability.

The suggestion that this ends the controversy is wrong. His conduct and the decisions taken under his leadership will still be fully scrutinised as part of the government’s investigation.

Residents deserve answers. His resignation will not stop officials demanding them.

He can resign from the council, but he cannot resign from responsibility for his behaviour and the decisions he made.

[Hucknall Dispatch @DispatchDaily]

BREAKING: Jason Zadrozny resigns as an Ashfield councillor https://t.co/qvwlPaR1aj

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

‼️A packed room in Parliament last night as I joined more than 75 Labour MPs to challenge Royal Mail’s CEO and COO over unacceptable service across our communities‼️

❗️Letters arriving after hospital appointments, delays to important medical information, jury summons, parking fines and court hearings. These failures have real consequences for people’s health, finances and peace of mind.

➡️I know things have been particularly bad for residents in Clipstone, and I made clear that people across Sherwood Forest deserve better.

❤️As the proud daughter of a postie who gave over 30 years of service, this is personal to me. I know the pride our postal workers take in serving their communities, and I stand firmly behind them: good jobs, decent and fair wages, proper working conditions and respect at work.

➡️‼️I also asked Royal Mail’s leadership to address the toxic management culture that exists in some delivery offices. Staff must be listened to, supported and treated with dignity.

✅️I believe we need a different way of running Royal Mail. The CWU has put forward proposals for stronger public oversight, a voice for workers and customers in how the company is run, and an end to insecure work and low pay across the sector. Those recommendations deserve serious attention.

➡️I recognise that Royal Mail faces a changing market, but residents need to see those promises turn into reliable deliveries.

❤️💪Our communities deserve a postal service they can rely on, and our posties deserve the support and respect to deliver it. I will keep pushing for both.

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

‼️Meeting in Parliament with Trustees of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme‼️

➡️Last night in Parliament myself and fellow coalfield Labour MPs met some trustees of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.

➡️I am proud of what this Labour government has done so far but we must finish the job.

➡️We agreed that the pressure must continue to secure the release of £1.2 billion from the Guarantor’s Fund for redistribution to scheme beneficiaries. Timing is critical. Miners and their families have waited far too long for money that is rightfully theirs.

❤️This is deeply personal to me. My politics were shaped by what happened to our mining communities, and I have campaigned for years to help right this historic wrong.

➡️The Chancellor has committed to delivering, and I am determined to see that commitment honoured for miners across Sherwood Forest and the country.

❤️💪Our miners powered this country. They earned their pensions. And I will keep pushing until they get the fairness they deserve.

#MineworkersPension

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

We Will Remember Them

Today at 11am, I paused to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I attended the official wreath laying in Parliament and paid my respects.

I thought of both my grandads, who served, and of all those across Sherwood Forest and our country who have served in our Armed Forces and those serving today.

❤️Behind every name, every medal and every poppy is a person, a family and a story we must never forget.

For our tomorrow, they gave their today.

We will remember them. ❤️

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

🚨 I'm calling urgent action on HMOs in Hucknall as numbers climb 🏘️

Residents have every right to expect decent homes and well-managed neighbourhoods, but I am increasingly concerned about the impact that poorly managed HMOs are having across Hucknall.

With at least 50 HMOs in the town, we need to see proper oversight and accountability. Overcrowding, rubbish, parking pressures and anti-social behaviour should not become accepted parts of life for our communities.

I recognise that HMOs have a role to play in providing affordable accommodation, but that cannot be an excuse for poor standards or irresponsible landlords.

I want Hucknall to remain a place where people are proud to live, with strong, settled neighbourhoods and decent housing for everyone.

That is why I am calling on Ashfield District Council to introduce a selective licensing scheme across the whole of Hucknall. We need action to protect residents, improve standards and ensure landlords are doing the right thing.

My letter to Leader of Ashfield District Council, Cllr Samantha Deakin 👇

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

A lovely visit yesterday to Hucknall’s new clothes bank, run by the fantastic Yvonne and Richard, who also do so much for our local food bank at Under One Roof.

The clothes bank is now open, providing practical support to local people who need it most.

They are currently welcoming donations of adult clothing and shoes, so if you have anything in good condition that you no longer need, please consider donating 👕

https://t.co/RCo2muSS9V

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

Having worked with young people throughout my career, I know how important it is that every young person has the opportunity, support and confidence to find their path in life.

Last week, I brought together local organisations and partners in Edwinstowe for a roundtable discussion on young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

It's important that we understand the barriers our young people are facing and work together to find solutions. No young person should feel that opportunities are out of reach.

I'm really looking forward to working on a project to help make a positive difference to young people across Sherwood Forest.

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

It was an honour to lay a wreath at Hucknall’s Remembrance service today, paying tribute to all those who have served, sacrificed and lost their lives in defence of our country ❤️

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

Today, we stand together in remembrance of those who have given their lives in the service of our country.

We remember the fallen, those who continue to serve, and the families who have carried the cost of conflict.

Their courage, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

Ahead of Remembrance Sunday tomorrow, I was honoured to lay a cross in Parliament in memory of all those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our country.

We will remember them, and honour the courage and sacrifice of all those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Lest we forget.

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

@jameswnaish
@MichaelPayneUK
@NadiaWhittomeMP
@steveyemm
@LilianGreenwood
@AlexJJNorris

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

An independent investigation has found maternity files at Nottingham University Hospitals were intentionally deleted.

Please read our statement as Nottinghamshire MPs ⬇️

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate about the impact of PMOS, drawing on my own experience of waiting 18 years for a diagnosis.

I called for earlier diagnosis, better access to support and greater awareness of the health inequalities women face, including in the workplace.

No woman should have to wait years to be believed, understood and given the care she deserves. We must make sure the next generation doesn't face the same experience 👇

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

This morning, I spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham about the serious allegations at Ashfield District Council, the need for a police investigation and the progress we're making to get answers and accountability ⬇️

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

‼️OFFICIAL REQUEST FOR A POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO ASHFIELD DISTRICT COUNCIL‼️

➡️Our politics are different but the seriousness of the concerns at Ashfield District Council means we have written jointly to Nottinghamshire Police’s Chief Constable, calling for an independent police investigation.

➡️Our letter raises concerns about planning decisions and the awarding of public contracts, including alleged connections to councillors, their families and council officers. These matters require thorough, independent scrutiny.

➡️I welcome the Government’s Rapid Best Value Assessment and are working closely them on this.

➡️Given the gravity of the allegations and the new information that has come to light, I believe a police investigation is also necessary. We have requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Constable to discuss the concerns.

➡️Thank you to everyone who has contacted me and shared information. I know how much this matters to you, and I will keep pushing for answers.

➡️Constituents deserve transparency, accountability and confidence that decisions are made in the public interest.

[Mansfield Chad @ChadNews]

Sherwood Forest MP calls for police investigation into serious Ashfield Council allegations https://t.co/0MzJokUupO

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

Today in Parliament, I called for the serious allegations concerning Ashfield District Council to be referred to the police for independent investigation.

Residents deserve answers. Given the severity of the concerns raised, I believe a police investigation is now necessary, alongside the Government’s rapid best value assessment.

I raised planning decisions made against professional officers’ advice, concerns about applications linked to a family connected to the council, and the scrapping of a local plan that has left our communities exposed to speculative development, including on green belt.

I also challenged the decision by colleagues to put the council leader on the planning committee just days after his conviction on nine counts of fraud involving public money.

Hucknall residents have been let down for years. They deserve transparency and accountability.

I welcomed the Government’s intervention, but pressed for planning decisions to be halted while the assessment takes place and for an accelerated examination of the local plan.

The allegations must be independently investigated, the evidence followed and residents’ interests protected. I will keep pressing for action.

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

I’ve been pushing for answers on decisions made at Ashfield District Council - and the Government has now confirmed a rapid review.

This morning I spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham to explain why I called for an investigation, what it will look at and why residents deserve answers about planning decisions, council contracts and how public money is being spent.

This is an important first step, but I’ll keep pushing for action and accountability.

[BBC East Midlands @bbcemt]

Government orders rapid review into district council https://t.co/APBxEzhQaM

[Michelle Welsh MP @MichelleWelshMP]

🚨 BREAKING: GOVERNMENT ORDERS RAPID INVESTIGATION INTO ASHFIELD DISTRICT COUNCIL

Today, I have received an extremely significant response from the Minister for Local Government, Jim McMahon MP, following the serious concerns I have raised about the leadership, governance and conduct of Ashfield District Council.

The Minister has confirmed that he has instructed Government officials to carry out a rapid Best Value Assessment of Ashfield District Council, including the serious matters I have raised, and to report back to him within the next few days.

This is a rapid Government investigation into the concerns raised and represents a significant step forward in securing accountability and transparency.

The Minister has also confirmed that:

✅ Senior Government officials have been instructed to seek an urgent meeting with the Council's Chief Executive.

✅ A separate urgent meeting is being sought with the Council's external auditor.

✅ A meeting with me is being arranged to discuss these serious matters further.

The Minister has described the concerns raised as "very concerning indeed" and has made clear his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of leadership, governance and financial management in local government.

This is a hugely significant development.

For far too long, serious questions have been raised about the way Ashfield District Council operates, the decisions being taken and the impact those decisions have on the communities we represent.

These concerns have developed over years, not months. They deserve proper scrutiny, transparency and answers.

I have been clear that we need an independent Government inspection that leaves no stone unturned.

The Government has now taken the important step of launching this rapid assessment, and I welcome the Minister's urgent intervention.

However, this must be the beginning, not the end. I will continue to push for a full, independent inspection and for every serious concern to be properly examined.

Let me be absolutely clear. This is not about political point-scoring. It is about accountability, public confidence and ensuring that residents can trust the council making decisions on their behalf.

No council should be beyond scrutiny. No serious concern should be swept under the carpet. And no community should be left without answers.

I welcome the Minister's swift and decisive response. I will continue working to ensure that the concerns raised are fully investigated and that any necessary action is taken.

The people of Ashfield deserve answers. They deserve transparency. And they deserve a council they can trust.

I will not stop pushing until that happens.