NSDC Conservative party leader and councillor steps down and becomes unaligned independent councillor

A party leader has resigned from her role and left the party to focus on a village’s community project.

Rhona Holloway, the former leader and councillor of the Conservative Party at Newark and Sherwood District Council, has decided to step down and become an unaligned Independent councillor.

Mrs Holloway represents Bilsthorpe, where she is also the project manager and leader for a major new community hub in the village.

“I am fully committed to continuing to represent my residents in Bilsthorpe and to work across all parties for the good of the Council and for the residents across the whole of the Newark and Sherwood District,” she said.

Mrs Holloway was first elected to Newark and Sherwood District Council in 2019 and previously held the position of the council’s portfolio holder for economic development and visitors, a role which involved projects such as Air and Space Institute, The Castle Gate House Project, and the Ollerton Town Regeneration Project.

After the 2023 election, Mrs Holloway became the leader of the Conservative group and a cabinet member without a portfolio.

The new Independent is currently studying for a degree in Environmental Studies with the Open University.

She added: “It has been an honour to lead the Conservative group, but I need to spend some time concentrating on major projects within my own Ward and not on specific politics.”

The Bilsthorpe village hall received funds from the UK Prosperity Fund to take the project to RIBA stage four.

“I feel I can best achieve my goals on this as an Independent Councillor,” Mrs Holloway added.

Linda Dales, Independent councillor for Collingham, has also stepped down from Newark and Sherwood District Council Conversative Group.