Newark councillor 'so shocked' at new county chairman role

A long-time Newark councillor has been elected as the new chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Newark, Councillor Sue Saddington said being chairman "was something I had never dreamed of." 

Elected on May 10th, the North Muskham resident - whose family have lived their since the 1940s - will be in office until this time next year. 

Cllr Saddington has been on Newark and Sherwood District Council since 1999 and the county council since 2005 as a Conservative.

However, as chairman she will have to take on a more neutral role during the council's deliberations and debates while also acting as an ambassador for the people and businesses of Nottinghamshire. 

Having spent last year as vice-chairman, she now takes the 'chains of office' succeeding outgoing chairman Cllr John Handley. 

In a wide-ranging interview, Cllr Saddington said she was looking forward to the role and being able to learn more about the county. 

Her chosen charity for the year is Nottingham Children's Hospital - each chairman raises money for a cause during their single year in office.

The children's hospital is hoping to raise millions of pounds for new state-of-the-art imaging facilities to give children and young people the best chance of recovery from brain tumours. 

Chairman Saddington said: "Children with brain tumours need to have the latest technology so they are diagnosed quickly, easily and treated as quickly as possible.

"I shall be grateful for every penny people can give and whatever we have at the final total will be the amount the hospital take."

To donate to the chairman’s charity this year, email charity@nuh.nhs.uk, call 0115 962 7905 or visit the website.

Meanwhile, you can LISTEN to the full interview with Cllr Sue Saddington here: