This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Lib Dems have “strongest mandate” to run Cherwell
07/05/2024
Conservative administrations have run the Council since 2000
Following last week’s Local Elections the Liberal Democrats have announced they plan to put themselves forward to form a new administration at Cherwell District Council.
The party now has 17 seats on the Council, ahead of Labour with 13 and Conservatives with 11. The remaining seats are taken by Greens (4) and Independents (3).
During the last year the Liberal Democrats have been part of the official opposition at Cherwell District Council, having formed the “Progressive Oxfordshire” alliance with the Greens and Independents.
It appears the party’s councillors intend to form an administration on their own, but have offered other parties who share their “values and goals” the opportunity to talk to them about how they might work together.
The Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Councillor David Hingley, said: “This is a significant moment for us as we now hold the position of the largest party on Cherwell District Council for the first time in our history.
“With this distinction comes the strongest mandate to form a new administration.
“Voters have made us the largest party, but no party holds a majority.
“We understand that we will need to work constructively with other parties to take the Council forward through an important period: supporting residents through a cost-of-living crisis, facing significant financial challenges as a Council, and finalising the local plan that will shape development in our area.
“We believe it’s in the interest of residents that we invite councillors who share our values and goals to talk with us about how best we might work together as we take Cherwell into a brighter future.
In forming a new administration, we begin a new era for Cherwell working in ways which best benefit our residents”.
The Conservatives have run Cherwell District Council since 2000, with Barry Wood the Council’s leader since 2004. Last year the Conservatives lost control of the Council, but formed a minority administration as the largest party.
The Council’s annual meeting will take place on May 22.
The Liberal Democrats rise saw them gain seven seats last week – all from the Conservatives.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam