Controversial councillor John Tanner has been picked as the new leader of Oxford City Council.

Mr Tanner won the leadership battle when he beat three rivals at a private meeting of Oxford Labour councillors last night.

He succeeds Stan Taylor, who stood down as leader last month because of ill health.

Mr Tanner said today: "We will work with all the people of Oxford and with the new Labour Government.

"Labour's aims for Oxford are prosperity, fairness and a decent environment.

"It is a great honour and a challenge to serve the people of Oxford to the very best of my ability.

"We have a great Labour team in this city. Together, we can all make our tolerant, green, international and wonderful city even better." Mr Tanner said Labour had kept its promises to keep down bus pass fares, provide central heating in council homes and to install anti-crime cameras.

"We are helping private tenants and increasing recycling. We are also spending an extra £2.7m on key improvements across the city."

Mr Tanner, 52, married with two sons, is a freelance journalist and has represented South Ward since 1988.

He is well-known for his controversial views, particularly on royalty.

He was Labour's Euro-candidate for North Oxfordshire in 1994 and will now become chairman of the council's new powerful strategy and resources comm- ittee.

He beat fellow councillors Maureen Christian, Bob Hoyle and Alex Hollingsworth in last night's contest.

Mrs Christian, who has been acting leader since Mr Taylor's resignation, is the new deputy leader.

Former leader Mr Taylor, who suffers from diabetes, will continue serving as a councillor for the Temple Cowley ward until the May elections.

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