New Nottinghamshire County Council cabinet member for transport and environment Bert Bingham criticised by Newark and Sherwood Green Party for public climate change denial comments

The councillor now responsible for overseeing Nottinghamshire’s environmental priorities has drawn criticism for his controversial views on climate change.

Reform UK took control of Nottinghamshire County Council in the local elections on May 1, holding an overall majority after winning 39 of the council’s 66 divisions.

Last week, newly-elected councillor for Worksop West, Bert Bingham, was appointed as cabinet member for transport and the environment, despite public comments made on the campaign trail referring to climate change as a “hoax”.

Several comments about climate change were posted to his personal social media pages in the run-up to the election, including one where he said he would do everything in his power to "end the net zero crime".

The appointment has drawn strong criticism from the Newark and Sherwood Green Party, who raised “serious concerns” about Mr Bingham’s comments.

Environmental campaigner and leader of the Green Group at Newark and Sherwood District Council, Emma Oldham, said: “I strongly recommend councillor Bingham visit the communities already living with the consequences of climate change.

“He should speak to families who’ve been flooded out of their homes, farmers who are struggling to grow food in increasingly erratic weather, and the businesses that have been forced to close due to repeated flooding. Ask them if this feels like a hoax.

“As the county’s lead flood authority, he must answer this: What will he do when unseasonal rainfall once again brings devastation to our doorsteps?

“His comments show a shocking disregard for the lived experiences of Nottinghamshire residents.

“I urge him to sit down with his officers and review the scale of flood recovery grants, damage assessments, and the countless hours lost to emergency response.”

She added: “Denying climate change isn’t just irresponsible, it’s dangerous.

“This isn’t about belief. This is about science, duty and safeguarding the public.

“Climate change is not a matter of opinion, it’s a matter of action. And by refusing to act, Bert is failing in the most fundamental duty of his office: to protect the people he serves.”

Mr Bingham has experience working inside the EU's climate change programme and on recycling projects. As a cabinet member, he is entitled to a salary of around £43,000.

It is as yet unclear how the Mr Bingham’s views will impact upon council decisions regarding climate, and if environmental decision taken by the previous administration will be honoured.

Similarly critical is Matthew Spoors, who is hoping to secure a place on the county council in the upcoming Newark West by-election on July 3, as the Green Party candidate.

He said: “While Bert dreams of England 2,000 years ago, the climate crisis is happening right now.

“In just the first five months of 2025, the UK has already experienced the most intense wildfires on record — burning more land than in the entire year of 2019.

“The path forward is clear: create new jobs, upskill our workforce, deliver cleaner air and secure affordable, renewable energy. Or continue clinging to polluting, volatile fossil fuels linked to between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths each year in the UK.

“It’s a no-brainer — but perhaps that’s the problem.”

So far, the Green Party, Labour, Local Conservatives, and Reform UK have all announced candidates to contest the Newark West by-election.

The Advertiser has attempted to contact Bert Bingham to offer a right of reply, but has not received a response.