A Labour leader today denied there was a split in his group after it was revealed a rebel councillor had been questioned over his conduct.

Former Lord Mayor and recently elected Oxfordshire County Councillor John Power outraged members of his party over his comments at a recent meeting about Oxford's Transport Strategy and the closure of an old folks' home.

In a letter - leaked to the Oxford Mail - Wood Farm councillor David Buckle described the situation as "a major problem which needs to be dealt with, and soon". Cllr Buckle, writing to the county's Labour group leader Cllr Brian Hodgson, said Cllr Power's attempt to refer back a minute about the closure of Oxford's Oseney Court home in Botley Road, Oxford, was in breach of group policy.

He said: "He made matters worse by saying the decision to close the Oseney Court was a stain on this council.

"That comment includes members of his own group. The group was forced into voting against one of its own members to the joy of the Tories."

Cllr Buckle said Cllr Power's views on the OTS also went against group policy. He said: "Later on he voted with the Tories against the rest of our group on 'Procurement of Local Government Services' which helped the Tories defeat us.

"You probably heard the Tories thank him for his vote.

"In the light of everything that happened last Tuesday I believe John Power should be asked to attend a meeting of the group officers to explain his conduct."

Cllr Hodgson said: "There is no problem with John Power and there is no split in the group - the matter is over with."

Cllr Buckle refused to comment on the matter.

Cllr Power was unavailable for comment.

Story date: Tuesday 14 December

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