Liz Leffman took the leader job in May 2021 in a Liberal Democrats, Greens and Labour Party coalition called the ‘Oxfordshire Fair Deal Alliance’.

Following the 2025 election, the Lib Dems had a 36-seat majority on the council as Ms Leffman continued her leadership.

Announcing her departure, she said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve as leader of the county council since 2021. I have very much enjoyed the role and the connections that I have been able to make with people all over the county, in all walks of life.

 “However, now is the time for me to stand down.

“In May 2027, we will be having elections for the new unitary council or councils, and as I will not be standing for election, 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.

“I know that while welcoming new members the cabinet will continue to steer Oxfordshire through local government reorganisation, devolution and the financial challenges that are facing many councils.

“We will also want to re-dedicate ourselves to our priorities based around climate action and sustainable economic growth.”

The new cabinet for Oxfordshire County Council had been announced at the annual council meeting, hours before this resignation statement.

This followed Andrew Gant standing down from his transport chief role, yesterday, May 11, and the future economy and innovation boss, Ben Higgins, leaving his role as well as the Lib Dems.

A reshuffle looks likely to be on the way to make space for Ms Leffman to re-join the cabinet in a different role.

Reacting to the new, Independent Oxfordshire Alliance leader David Henwood said he thought the announcement should have been made ahead of the annual council meeting.

On Ms Leffman’s leadership, he reflected: “Although I have red lines in terms of transportation, Liz has been gracious in her approach to me as a new member.

“She has been the backbone of the Lib Dem group, but sadly her commitment to the workplace parking levy is evidence of predetermination.

“The Liberal Democrats are struggling to deliver policies to both the city and districts.”

The new leader for the council’s Liberal Democrat group is Tim Bearder, who previously stood to be police and crime commissioner in 2024.

There will be an extraordinary general meeting of the council to elect a new leader.

The date of this meeting has not yet been set.

In the interim, the current deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Neil Fawcett, will lead the authority.

Councillor Neil Fawcett. (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council.)

More than 80 Labour MPs have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign from office or set out a timetable for departure, following the loss of almost 1,500 local councillors across England in the recent local elections.

In addition, his party lost control of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) for the first time ever, had its worst performance ever in the Scottish election and there has been widespread dissatisfaction with the Government’s performance.

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After studying his undergraduate at the University of Leeds he earned a postgraduate Bachelor of Civil Law degree from St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, in 1986.

In 2022 he was elected an Honorary Fellow of St Edmund Hall.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Earlier today (Tuesday, May 12), the 63-year-old told his cabinet that the “Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered” and insisted he would continue governing.

Even so multiple ministers have resigned including Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones and Miatta Fahnbulleh, with others reportedly urging him to consider his position.

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One of Sir Keir’s closest aides declined to say whether he would lead his party into the next general election.

Cabinet minister Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, said: “I’m not going to get ahead of any decision the PM may or may not take.”

Among those rumoured as possible replacements for Sir Keir are Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner.

The area was well represented in a round-up of the 15 prettiest UK villages to visit right now by the magazine in a new springtime guide.

Castle Combe, Bibury, Broadway, Great Tew and Lower Slaughter all feature in Country Living’s May 2026 issue.

This celebrates the villages coming into their own this spring, with blossom-lined lanes, honey-coloured stone and wildflowers in abundance.

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Tracy Archer, owner director at StayCotswold, the Cotswolds’ largest independent holiday let agency with over 300 properties, welcomed the news.

“To see five of the Cotswolds’ villages featured in a list like this is a wonderful reminder of just how special the region is,” she said.

“Our guests are perfectly placed to explore all five, and we’re seeing strong bookings right through to the summer as people look to make the most of the longer days and nature in full bloom.”

Castle Combe

Frequently used as a filming location, Castle Combe’s honey-coloured cottages and medieval market cross feel almost untouched by time.

The Bybrook River runs clear beneath the bridge, with fresh greenery lining its banks and early wildflowers appearing on nearby woodland paths.

Bibury

Often described as one of England’s most beautiful villages, Bibury is home to Arlington Row, a terrace of 17th-century weavers’ cottages now in the care of the National Trust.

In spring, wildflowers scatter across the meadows, and the River Coln runs quickly and clear, offering an ideal backdrop for a gentle riverside walk.

Broadway

With its wide high street and elegant Cotswold stone buildings, Broadway lends itself to a slow wander at any time of year.

As spring takes hold, colour comes through along the verges and field edges, and the walk towards Broadway Tower is particularly rewarding.

Great Tew

With its thatched cottages and mellow stone houses, Great Tew feels quietly tucked away from the world.

In spring, blossom hangs over low stone walls, gardens are full of early planting, and the verges are thick with fresh greenery.

Lower Slaughter

Set along the River Eye, Lower Slaughter is known for its old mill and low stone bridges.

The footpath towards Upper Slaughter is at its most picturesque this time of year, with cow parsley, green fields and early wildflowers lining the route.

StayCotswold offers a wide range of holiday lets across the region, from cosy cottages in the heart of the villages featured to larger properties for family and group stays.

With properties available to book year-round, the agency provides guests with expert local knowledge and a hand-picked selection of accommodation to suit every occasion.