Local elections 2021: Shock as Nottinghamshire Labour group leader Alan Rhodes loses Worksop North seat

In the most shocking result for Bassetlaw today by far, Conservative Callum Bailey was elected with 1,711 votes while Worksop North slipped from Mr Rhodes’ grasp as he tailed behind with 1,557 votes.

Paul Scopeletti of Reform UK and Simon Russell of the Liberal Democrats weren’t even close, pulling in 90 and 80 votes respectively as their parties failed to win any Bassetlaw seats.

Prior to the 2017 elections Mr Rhodes had served a four year term as leader of Nottinghamshire County Council

Following the 2017 elections he was elected leader of the Labour Group, the main opposition party at Nottinghamshire County Council governed by a coalition between the Conservatives and Independents.

He tweeted: “Friends, just a short word to say that unfortunately I lost my Worksop North seat on Nottinghamshire County Council today.

“Thank you to friends, colleagues and officers of the Council for a very enjoyable 17 years.”

Nottinghamshire County Council elections 2021 LIVE: Who are the new councillors in Bassetlaw?

Another major blow for Labour came as Kevin Greaves lost his Worksop South seat to Conservative newcomer Nigel Turner who was elected with 1,708 votes while Mr Greaves received 1,438.

Conservative Mike Quigley, who has retained his seat in Retford West, had some damning words for Labour as half of Worksop turned blue: “It’s encouraging that people have seen through Labour’s scare tactics about Bassetlaw Hospital being at risk, which is entirely untrue, and the Labour group leader losing his seat was another added bonus for us.

“The people have seen through yet another ruse they bring out at every election.

“Worksop South was a Conservative seat for many years, so we are pleased to see it back in the fold.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Sam Jackson, editor.