Richard Jackson Enters Nottinghamshire Council Leader Race

The race to lead Nottinghamshire County Council has intensified as Richard Jackson, the cabinet member for finance, has announced his candidacy, joining Sam Smith, who aims to be one of the youngest leaders in the country. Current leader Ben Bradley will officially step down on December 5 after a challenging year marked by electoral defeats, including losing the mayoral race to Labour's Claire Ward and his Mansfield MP seat to Labour's Steve Yemm. Jackson, who has significant experience in local governance and previously led Broxtowe Borough Council, has been urged by colleagues to run. The Conservative group will select a new leader before a final vote on December 5, with local elections approaching in May 2025. A third candidate is expected to enter the race before nominations close on November 24. The Conservative council currently controls the authority, making this leadership contest particularly significant.