Lib Dems and Conservatives clash over Oxfordshire councillor

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

A bitter row has erupted over Oxfordshire councillor Toyah Overton, whom Conservatives suspect has moved to Wales.

A bitter row has erupted between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives over Oxfordshire councillor Toyah Overton, whom the Tories suspect has moved to Wales. Ms Overton represents Brize Norton and Carterton East and has rejected calls to step down following these accusations.

The Witney and West Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats accused the local Conservatives of hypocrisy on social media on 24 October, questioning why Conservative councillors 'barely show up' at Carterton Town Council meetings whilst attacking Ms Overton. Liam Walker, leader of the Oxfordshire Conservatives, called the Liberal Democrat statement 'crass' and 'a new low in political point scoring'.

Ms Overton won her seat in May 2025 with 34 per cent of the almost 2,000 votes cast in her ward, ahead of the Conservatives on 29 per cent. She has said her 'remote, contract-based work' does not prevent her from representing her ward. She added that it is 'unreasonable' to expect councillors to give up other employment considering their allowance, and that her health has limited her activity levels.

The dispute carries implications for Oxfordshire County Council, where the Liberal Democrats currently hold a one-seat majority.

How it is being reported

• Lib Dems hit out at Conservatives amid bitter row over Oxfordshire politicianA bitter row has erupted over an Oxfordshire politician who the Conservatives suspect of having moved to Wales.Oxfordshire Guardian · 27 Oct, 05:00
• Lib Dems hit out at Conservatives amid bitter row over Oxfordshire politicianA bitter row has erupted over an Oxfordshire politician who the Conservatives suspect of having moved to Wales.Oxford Mail · 27 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Toyah Overton · Liam Walker · Oxfordshire · Oxfordshire Conservatives · Witney and West Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats

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