Oxford Liberal Democrats have taken a jibe at the attendance of a city councillor who missed “over half of council meetings in 12 months”.

Labour councillor Tom Hayes, whose ward is St Clement’s, is currently campaigning to be an MP in Bournemouth East.

A flyer circulated to residents of the area asks “WHERE’S TOM?” before concluding that the councillor is “trying to become an MP 100 miles away in Bournemouth”.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire MP Layla Moran slams Conservative Home Office

Liberal Democrat council group leader councillor Dr Chris Smowton said: “Councillor Hayes can’t have his cake and eat it.

“He should resign and let residents elect a truly local champion for St Clement’s.”

A short petition was added to the bottom of the flyer calling on Mr Hayes to step down.

Meanwhile, the Oxford Mail has reviewed the attendance of all city councillors.

Councillors Andrew Gant, the county council's cabinet member for highways and Labour councillor Diko Walcott, who represents the Blackbird Leys ward, had the joint lowest attendance, at 11 per cent. 

Oxford Mail: The flyer was circulated to St Clement's residents.The flyer was circulated to St Clement's residents. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Oxford Mail: The flyer was circulated to St Clement's residents.The flyer was circulated to St Clement's residents. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

It turns out the Greens are leading the way for best council meeting turnout with an average attendance of 84 per cent and 'apologies otherwise' offered for 100 per cent of absences.

Liberal Democrats and Labour had exactly the same average attendance for councillors, rounded to the nearest whole number at 76 per cent.

It comes as nine Labour city councillors have resigned from the party.

Mr Hayes said: "I have served the city as a deputy leader during the pandemic and for many years as a cabinet member.

"I stood down from the cabinet when I was seeking to stand for Parliament.

"The three attendances I missed were owing to Covid and a very sad bereavement.

"Since becoming a councillor in 2014 my attendance record is 80%. 

"Cllr Andrew Gant should not be able to have his cake and eat it — serving in a substantial role as transport lead for the County Council, making a mess of the county’s transport—and be a city councillor, attending just 10% of meetings."