Banbury councillor quits opposition group over bullying allegations

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 10 Nov, 09:57 · Archive

Paul-Austin Sargent has resigned from the Oxfordshire Alliance group, citing concerns about misogyny and bullying.

Paul-Austin Sargent, the independent county councillor for Banbury, has resigned from the Oxfordshire Alliance group. The Alliance was previously the main opposition at Oxfordshire County Council, where the Liberal Democrats hold 35 of 69 seats.

Sargent's departure has altered the political balance at the council. Labour now becomes the largest opposition group with 12 members, compared to the Alliance's 11. This change means Labour group leader Liz Brighouse takes over as the official leader of the opposition, replacing Conservative councillor Liam Walker.

In a statement, Sargent said his health was part of his decision to leave, but described concern about misogyny and bullying as the main reason. He cited the treatment of Liberal Democrat councillor Toyah Overton by Alliance members, who have questioned whether she has moved to Wales while continuing to serve on the county council. Walker has repeatedly asked questions of Overton, shared images of her campaigning in Pembrokeshire, and written open letters seeking clarification about her residence.

Sargent, who previously shared his cancer journey with the council after receiving a stage 4 diagnosis in March, said: 'I don't like bullies and I don't like misogyny.' He had held the role of shadow cabinet member for public health and inequalities within the Alliance group.

Liam Walker responded to the resignation, saying the Alliance remains united and focused on challenging the Liberal Democrat administration and holding the council to account. Walker noted that losing the formal opposition role would not change the group's determination to provide strong opposition on issues affecting Oxfordshire residents.

How it is being reported

• 'I don’t like bullies and I don’t like misogyny': Banbury councillor quits group amid allegationsAllegations of “misogyny” and “bullying” have led to a resignation from the Oxfordshire Alliance group, which has lost its place as official county council opposition.Banbury Guardian · 10 Nov, 09:48
• Alleged 'misogyny' and 'bullying' sees resignation from Oxfordshire oppositionConcerns about allegations of "misogyny" and "bullying" led to a resignation from the Oxfordshire Alliance group, which has lost its place as official county council opposition.Oxford Mail · 9 Nov, 18:00
• Alleged 'misogyny' and 'bullying' sees resignation from Oxfordshire oppositionConcerns about allegations of "misogyny" and "bullying" led to a resignation from the Oxfordshire Alliance group, which has lost its place as official county council opposition.Oxfordshire Guardian · 9 Nov, 18:00
• Resignation sees main opposition change at Oxfordshire County CouncilThe largest party of opposition at Oxfordshire County Council has changed following a resignation from the Oxfordshire Alliance Group.Oxford Mail · 9 Nov, 12:30
• Resignation sees main opposition change at Oxfordshire County CouncilThe largest party of opposition at Oxfordshire County Council has changed following a resignation from the Oxfordshire Alliance Group.Oxfordshire Guardian · 9 Nov, 12:30

In this story: Paul-Austin Sargent · Liam Walker · Toyah Overton · Liz Brighouse · Oxfordshire Alliance · Labour · Oxfordshire County Council · Banbury

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