Oxfordshire County Council Lib Dems lose majority

Councillor Nick Cotter is now listed on the Oxfordshire County Council website as a non-grouped independent.

Mr Cotter, who represents the Bicester South division, was first elected to the county council last year.

He is still listed as a Liberal Democrat on the Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council websites.

It appears he stepped down on May 8, during which there were election counts for Oxford City Council, Cherwell District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council.

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Councillor Nick Cotter (Image: OCC)

This comes in the same week Councillor Ben Higgins, who was cabinet member for future economy and innovation, stepped down.

This means the total number of Lib Dems is 34, with the number for a majority being 35.

The Lib Dems won its first majority in the county council election last year. Before that, they had a coalition with the Green Party.

Commenting on social media Conservative county councillor Liam Walker said: “Awful day for the #LibDems in #Oxfordshire. Following one councillor leaving the #LibDem county group a few days ago another one has now gone today.

“This means Oxfordshire County Council is now no overall control. It’s unclear if they will get back into bed with the Green Party or try and run as a minority administration.”

Mr Cotter, Oxfordshire County Council and the Liberal Democrats have been contacted for comment.