Ellie Ames 30 October 2023

Labour’s 13-year Oxford reign ends after ninth resignation

Labour’s 13-year Oxford reign ends after ninth resignation image
Image: Michael715 / Shutterstock.com

Labour has lost its majority on Oxford City Council after a ninth councillor resigned from the party over its stance on the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

The party, which had held a majority on the council since 2010, is now a minority administration.

Labour was left with 23 sitting councillors, with 25 in opposition, after Barbara Coyne announced she was resigning and would sit as an independent.

Council leader Susan Brown said: ‘I was very sad to hear from Councillor Barbara Coyne that she had made the very difficult decision to leave the Labour Party and therefore our Labour Group.

‘Barbara has written to me to say that she is resigning on the basis of her principles and convictions over the party’s national response to the unfolding situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

‘She has, however, also told me that she does not wish to join any other groups on Oxford City Council and intends to vote with the Labour Group, working to implement the manifesto on which we were all elected.’

The two Oxford councillors who were first to leave the Labour party have launched a new Independent Group.

Last week, London mayor Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester Combined Authority mayor Andy Burnham, along with the leaders of Greater Manchester's ten councils, called for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Strategic Director, Corporate Services

City of Bradford MDC
c£162,000 per annum, more for an exceptional candidate
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Human Resources

City of Bradford MDC
£119,466 - £131,207
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer)

North Kesteven District Council
£109,668 – £117,623
Create the conditions for long-term prosperity
Recuriter: North Kesteven District Council

Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity & Communities

Glasgow Life
£102,894.01 - £116,854.38 per year
Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recuriter: Glasgow Life
Linkedin Banner