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

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner