The Deputy Leader of Ashfield District Council has been removed from his position after being found guilty of harassment and a driving offence.

Councillor Tom Hollis, who represents Huthwaite and Brierley on Ashfield District Council for the Ashfield Independents, was convicted last week at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He is due to be sentenced next month.

In a statement the leader of the District Council, Councillor Jason Zadrozny described Mr Hollis' position as 'no longer tenable'.

He said: "Following the verdict last week on Councillor Hollis and his announcement of his decision not to fully appeal – I have taken the decision to remove Tom from his position of senior responsibility within Ashfield District Council, dismissing him as Deputy Leader of the Council.

"I have never had in any doubt Tom's commitment to the people of Ashfield particularly his passion for Carsic, Huthwaite and Sutton. He has an incredible work rate and his track record of delivering positive outcomes for the residents from his area and the wider Ashfield community. Tom has been personally responsible for the building of the first new Council Homes since 1974, with now over 100 new homes on track. It was his personal negotiation that secured £3million in outside funding towards our new leisure facilities, he has done significant work that will last as a legacy for generations.

"The reality is however that his position as Deputy Leader of Ashfield Council is no longer tenable and is a distraction from the incredibly positive work that Ashfield is doing, and for which it is being recognised nationally. 

"I was always clear that everyone should have the opportunity to clear their name. I understand fully Tom's decision to now draw a line under the matter and move on but following his decision not to fully appeal, I am taking this step."