Liberal Democrat and Green supporters have been celebrating the election of Lib Dem Kate Gregory to represent Thame and Chinnor at Oxfordshire County Council. Councillor Gregory is the first non-Conservative county councillor to represent Chinnor and Thame since 2004.
In previous county council elections, the Liberal Democrats and Greens have run against both each other and against other parties. For the 2021 election, the two parties decided to build on their experience of jointly running South Oxfordshire District Council and stand a candidate each, campaigning together in the two-seat ward. Their decision was rewarded by a huge surge in support with the Lib Dem/Green candidates gaining a full 40% of the vote, and with the Green candidate Morgan James fewer than 300 votes behind Cllr Gregory. Cllr Gregory said of her new Conservative counterpart, "Nigel and I have our differences on some issues but ultimately I'm willing to work with anyone who puts residents' interests ahead of national party politics. I'm looking forward to working together and making life better for local people".
The elections also saw Green candidate Helena Richards elected to Thame Town Council, taking over from outgoing fellow Green Sonja Francis. On her appointment, Helena said "I'm very excited to be elected to Thame Town Council, I’m so glad that the Green Party will continue to have a presence in Thame".
Green county council candidate and party activist Morgan James said "This year's election results show there is a real desire for change and for greener policies locally. We're seeing great initiatives like Thame Green Living, Thame Wombles, Chinnor & Thame Friends of the Earth, and more springing up, and the election of Green and Lib Dem candidates can only build on this green momentum going forward."
Parties are still negotiating the make-up of Oxfordshire County Council, but is hoped locally that the Haddenham-Thame Greenway will be seen as a priority after more than twenty years of postponement by previous administrations.
