Local government reorganisation is set to come into force in April 2028, with elections for a temporary shadow authority or authorities taking place next year, 2027.

Today, May 7, voters in Oxford city and areas of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire will likely be the last to head to the polls under the two-tier system.

Currently, the running of services such as social care, roads, libraries and waste disposal by a county council, with five district and borough councils responsible for rubbish collection, housing and planning, and environmental health.

According to proposals made by the existing councils in November 2025, Oxfordshire will be divided into either one, two, or three unitary authorities, and the government is set to decide on this before the parliamentary summer recess in July of this year.

There was a consultation on plans, which ended on March 26.

The government has described its reasoning for the change.

A statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government states: “Our ambition is to simplify local government, ending the two-tier system and establishing new single-tier unitary councils that are responsible for all local government services in an area.”

The reorganisation also saw the potential for the postponement of today’s elections across 30 councils.

However, the government abandoned plans to hold off the polls after receiving advice from lawyers following a legal challenge from Reform UK.

The incident occurred at Icknield Community College in Watlington today (Thursday May 7) in which all students and staff were ‘locked down’ on site.

Parents began receiving communications from the school at about 1pm that the situation was ongoing and no one could access the college grounds to prevent ‘interference’ with the police operations.

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A communication seen by this newspaper from Icknield Community College to parents at the school said: “The school remains in lockdown at this time. Police are currently on site and are supporting the school in managing the situation safely.

“All pupils and staff remain safe and continue to be supervised by school staff.

“We understand this is a concerning situation and appreciate you continued patience and cooperation.”

Police, file photo (Image: Police)

Thames Valley Police said the school took the decision to go into lockdown after it received a ‘malicious communication’, though this was not on advice from the police.

The force added: “There is not thought to be any threat to the public.”

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A further communication from the school sent just later in the afternoon said the lockdown was lifted, and students were able to return to the normal school site.

The second statement said: “We have been working with the police for the last hour and a half evaluating the best way to respond to what was deemed to be a credible phone threat that came into the school today.

“The view is now that our lockdown can be lifted.”

Back in 2017, Mr Clarkson alongside co-stars Richard Hammond and James May were spotted on the shore at Coniston Water.

Jeremy Clarkson filming in 2017 (Image: Chris West)

Navigating an impressive-looking boat with caterpillar tracks and a converted aquatic Bond Bug car, dozens of onlookers watched them film segments for the TV show.

But it wasn’t by accident as it was when speed enthusiasts took to the water for Records Week.

The Grand Tour-ish, available to watch now on Amazon Prime! Let us know your thoughts… pic.twitter.com/6arzGgHWGt

— ClarksonsFarm (@ClarksonsFarm1) May 7, 2026

Mr Clarkson was keen to take part in the thrill of setting records, driving the specially modified Bond Bug.

But it wasn’t plain sailing.

The Grand Tour’s Jeremy Clarkson establishing a new speed record in the the ‘Bond Bug’ car on Coniston (Image: Chris West)

On the latest episode, Mr Clarkson said: “That Pond Bug that you two built. The Three-Wheel Aqua car.

“I am thinking the bug turned into a hydroplane. Yes, and then you two built it, and you said to me you drive it, and while you are at it set a new water speed for amphibious cars.”

Mr Hammond responded: “We gave you all the glory.”

To which Mr May added: “We did the work. You got the prize.”

Scenes from the 2017 show recalled how Mr Clarkson replied: “It’s a ****ing nightmare. I can’t steer it. I am going to crash into the bloody safety boat.

“Why have they given me such shoddy workmanship. That’s the worst thing I have ever done. Ever.”

The trio at Coniston (Image: Chris West)

He then focused his attentions on Mr May and Mr Hammond: “You two, not only have you built something ugly and complicated. No, it’s rubbish and lethal.”

However, he then addressed their achievement.

“47.81 seconds, a new national record.”

Coniston speed racing

For almost a hundred years, powerboat record attempts have been made on several of the English lakes, including Ullswater, Windermere and Coniston Water.

Drivers, support crews, officials, families and spectators descend on Coniston every year, paying homage to some of the heroes of speed racing amidst spectacular mountain scenery.

And the infamous trio did make history that day.

He managed to reach 47.81mph – a record in the experimental amphibious unlimited class.