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

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner