Newly elected councilor welcomed to County Hall – Notts TV News

By Anna Whittaker, local democracy reporter

A new Nottinghamshire County Councilor has pledged to fight tooth and nail to bring A&E and emergency services to Newark Hospital.

Councilor Debbie Darby (Ind), Collingham’s new councilor, appeared for the first time at Nottinghamshire County Council’s full meeting on February 24.

Councilor Darby won almost 63.8% of the vote to beat the Labor and Conservative candidates in a poll on Thursday February 17.

The vote was triggered by the death of former councilor Maureen Dobson last year.

Cllr Darby won the seat with a majority of 1,100 votes.

Councilor Darby paid tribute to her predecessor at the meeting, saying it was a “huge privilege” to be elected as the new ward councillor.

Long-time independent Cllr Dobson has died following a battle with cancer.

Cllr Darby: “I would like to send a message to all residents of Collingham Division, I will work hard for you no matter who you voted for.

“This is as much a victory for our communities as it is a rejection of traditional party politics.

“I want to thank everyone who trusted me. I won’t let them down.

“I loved raising my family in Newark, it’s a great place to live and it can still get better.

“I will fight tooth and nail for our hospital’s A&E and maternity wards.”

She detailed how she will help residents in each area with issues such as parking, potholes and speeding.

Tom Hollis (Ashfield Ind) said: “Crying from the edges of the county is sometimes a tough place to be, especially in the rural parts of Councilor Darby’s Division.

“Welcome to the chamber and it’s great to see someone with the level of passion and community spirit that you have.”

Councilor Kate Foale (Lab) added: “If you represent your residents half as well as Maureen did, you will do a very good job.

Councilors voted unanimously to note the election of Cllr Darby to Collingham Division.

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