Council's first Lib Dem leader steps down

The leader of an Oxfordshire district council has stepped down after two years in the role.

David Hingley became Cherwell District Council's first ever Liberal Democrat Council leader in 2023 and the council's first new leader in two decades.

The Lib Dems won an additional four seats last week – with Hingley retaining his seat in Adderbury, Bloxham and Bodicote - meaning they remain Cherwell's largest party. However, the council is still without a majority.

Councillors Lesley McLean and Chris Brant will be put forward by the Liberal Democrats for election as leader and deputy leader respectively at the annual council meeting on 20 May.

The Lib Dems said Hingley has stepped back from the leadership to focus more time on his professional commitments while continuing his role as a district and county councillor.

The group thanked Hingley for his "dedication, leadership and hardwork".

In a statement Hingley said: "I'm extremely proud to have served Cherwell as the first ever Liberal Democrat leader of the council for the past two years.

"It has been a real honour, and while I am stepping back from the leadership I am looking forward to serving in a different capacity.

He added: "I'd like to thank all the members of my administration and the staff of the council for their commitment to Cherwell and their support and I know that our district will continue onwards in very safe hands."

It comes as the leader of the Liberal Democrat-led Oxfordshire County Council, Liz Leffman, announced on Tuesday she would be stepping down.

She said in a statement: "It is right that I hand over the leadership in the run-up to these elections. I do intend to remain as a member of cabinet."

The Cherwell Labour group will also be searching for a new leader after former group leader Andrew Crichton lost his seat in Banbury Hardwick to Reform UK's Paul Jeffreys.

On winning the ward, former special constable Jeffreys said: "We need to make Banbury better."

"People were really really fed up and they want, they say they want change and Reform is the only party that will do that," he added.