The man heading Oxford City Council’s eco-revolution, councillor John Tanner, was buoyed by news the city’s recycling rate had crept up to a record high of 47 per cent in October.

Great news for the planet (and for Mr Tanner who has been ribbed about the city’s flagging performance since he took control).

But with cuts and charges on the horizon (residents will have to pay £35 to have garden waste picked up next year), how do you mastermind a Green revolution in the age of austerity? Mr Tanner said he wants a Christmas present of a 50 per cent recycling rate.

So perhaps he is writing to Santa, after all that’s an initiative that will only cost the cash-strapped council postage.

Last week PM David Cameron was spotted buying a Lottery ticket in Chipping Norton, now this.

What next? George Osborne to appear on Deal or No Deal?

Perhaps Vince Cable thinks there is a cash prize for Strictly Come Dancing?

Following in the footsteps of Kennington and Horspath, Carterton is the latest town council to clam up.

An Oxford Mail reporter was told only the mayor was allowed to speak to the Press this week by several of the town’s councillors (as it happened the mayor didn’t want to).

And this in a town that is so closely associated with the efforts of British troops to protect civil liberties….such as freedom of speech.

Oxford City councillor Dick Wolff is certainly livening up proceedings at the Town Hall. The music-loving minister (with the United Reformed Church) was elected as the Green Party member for St Mary’s ward at the election in May.

He doesn’t mince his words in the chamber and the rocking Rev doesn’t mince words on his blog either.

On the subject of the Liberal Democrats and tuition fees, the Green Wolff (as he is known on his blog) said: “It should mark the first step in their journey to political oblivion. As Lou Reed once sang: “Stick a fork in their ass and turn ’em over – they’re done.”

More Lou Reed quotes at council please.

Outspoken county council leader Keith Mitchell true identity may have been revealed. An Insider spy has pointed out the striking resemblance between Kaiser Keith and the enigmatic Dungeon Master from 90s hit kids cartoon Dungeons and Dragons.

The cartoon disappeared from our screens around the same time Mr Mitchell rose to power and, just like Dungeon Master, Mr Mitchell disappears every time you want to ask him a question.