The Conservative group on Oxfordshire County Council have teamed up with two independent councillors to form a new political group in the aftermath of the May elections.
The ‘Oxfordshire Alliance’ is formed of the ten Conservative councillors, independent councillor Saj Malik, and Independent Oxford Alliance councillor David Henwood.
The group say they aim to hold the Lib Dem leaders of the county council to account and work in the best interests of residents.
However, the move was criticised by Labour group leader Liz Brighouse, who said those who voted independent would feel “betrayed” by the decision.
Both the Conservatives and the independents have campaigned against the county council’s controversial transport measures, including LTNs and the planned traffic filter trial.
READ MORE: Bicester Motion fatal fire timeline as three killed in blaze
The alliance will be led by Conservative group leader Liam Walker, who represents Hanborough and Hailey.
Councillor Walker said: “The formation of the Oxfordshire Alliance sends a clear message that we are united in our commitment to stand up for Oxfordshire residents and to ensure their voices are heard at County Hall.
“We will work collaboratively across our group to provide robust opposition, challenge poor decisions, and promote policies that deliver for the whole county.
“I look forward to working with colleagues to hold the Liberal Democrat administration to account.
“Residents want to see action, not ideology, and that’s exactly what we will be pushing for.”
Councillor Saj Malik, who was elected to represent Cowley for the county council in May, said: “I’m proud to be part of this new group which puts the needs of Oxfordshire residents first.
“Together, we will work to ensure greater accountability and transparency from those in power and bring forward positive solutions for our communities.”
Councillor David Henwood, who was elected to represent Rose Hill & Littlemore for the county council, said: “This alliance brings together a shared sense of purpose – to protect frontline services, promote fairness, and ensure every community in Oxfordshire is represented.
“We will not shy away from holding the administration to account and speaking up for residents.”
Councillor Henwood will also become the group’s shadow cabinet member for transport.
Both Rose Hill & Littlemore and Cowley have historically been safe Labour seats.
“The Conservatives were resoundingly rejected across Oxfordshire just this month, losing scores of seats.
“Voters in Cowley, Rose Hill and Littlemore will rightly feel betrayed by this decision.
“This is not what they voted for on 1 May.”
“By joining the Conservative Group at County Hall, these so-called Independents have revealed their true colours, showing once and for all that a vote for the Independent Oxford Alliance is a vote for the Conservative Party.”
The Lib Dems have an overall majority on the county council for the first time, with 36 elected councillors.
The Oxfordshire Alliance and the Labour group both have 12 councillors, while the Greens have seven councillors, Reform UK have one councillor and the Henley Residents’ Group has one councillor.
