Cherwell District Council's Labour Party have rejected an offer from the Liberal Democrat Party of working together to run the council.

Following the elections on May 3, the council has been left with with no party in overall control, despite the Liberal Democrats becoming the largest party in Cherwell District Council for the first time in the party's history.

Liberal Democrats now have the most councillors, with 17 seats, and Labour are the second largest group with 13.

Negotiations are still underway over who will take control of the council. 

Leader of Cherwell District Council's Labour party, Sean Woodcock, said: "The week before last we were approached by the Liberal Democrats about how we might work together to run Cherwell District Council.

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"The Liberal Democrat leadership floated the possibility of a deal between them and Labour only, without the involvement of other parties or independent councillors.

"However, during those discussions we made it clear that we could not support their agenda on important issues like the Local Plan.

"They also do not share Labour's priorities of getting more homes built to tackle local need, and for continued investment in Banbury town centre.

"These are things that we as a Labour Party campaigned on and made priorities in the recent local elections, and which they have been decidedly ambivalent on. 

"As such, we do not feel a formal deal between Labour and the Liberal Democrats on Cherwell District Council is possible.

"We will continue to promote these priorities as the second largest party and as the official opposition, a role which carries huge importance with the council having no one party in overall control."

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Leader of Cherwell's Liberal Democrat party, David Hingley, said: "Since the election results the Lib Dems have sought to engage constructively with other parties to discuss Cherwell's future.

"As the largest party, we believe that gives us the mandate to form an administration, but with no one party having a majority we want to find ways to work together for the benefit of residents. 

"Looking forwards, we remain open to discussions and are determined to work hard to help Banbury thrive, as well as the whole of Cherwell district."

Oxford Mail: Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cherwell District Council, David Hingley

The council’s political administration will be formally confirmed at the full council meeting which will be held today (Wednesday, May 22). 

At the meeting the council leader will appoint the members of the cabinet.

Leader of the Cherwell Green party, Ian Middleton, said: "We are still in negotiations at the moment with the Lib Dems. 

"I don’t think its too difficult to work out given they are largest party, one would expect they are aiming to lead the council.

"Until we get to that point its difficult to say."

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The Conservative party had been running the authority as a minority administration but lost nine of the 11 seats they were defending in the recent elections.

Leader of the Cherwell Conservative party, Barry Wood, said: "I anticipate Councillor Hingley will be the next Leader, most likely unopposed, given he commands more votes than any other putative candidate."