Tory demands Oxfordshire councillor step down over Wales move claims

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Conservative leader Liam Walker is calling for Lib Dem councillor Toyah Overton to resign, alleging she has moved to Wales.

Conservative leader Liam Walker has called for Liberal Democrat county councillor Toyah Overton to step down, alleging she has moved to Wales. He based this on her listing as office campaign organiser for the Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats.

Ms Overton won her Brize Norton and Carterton East seat in May 2025 with 34 per cent of almost 2,000 votes cast, ahead of the Conservatives on 29 per cent and Reform on 26 per cent. Mr Walker sent her a letter a week ago asking for clarity about her position with the Welsh group.

Ms Overton rejected his demands, stating that her 'remote, contract-based work' does not stop her from representing her ward. She added that it is 'unreasonable' to expect councillors to give up other employment given the allowance they receive. She also cited 'health' as the reason for her reduced activity. Mr Walker called her response 'bizarre' and said she should clarify whether she is now living in Wales.

The row has potential significance because the Liberal Democrats currently hold a one-seat majority on Oxfordshire County Council.

How it is being reported

• Tory calls for Oxfordshire by-election heat up as Lib Dem opens up on 'health'Calls by the Conservatives for an Oxfordshire Liberal Democrat county councillor to step down have continued.Oxford Mail · 23 Oct, 05:00
• Tory calls for Oxfordshire by-election heat up as Lib Dem opens up on 'health'Calls by the Conservatives for an Oxfordshire Liberal Democrat county councillor to step down have continued.Oxfordshire Guardian · 23 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Toyah Overton · Liam Walker · Oxfordshire Conservatives · Liberal Democrats · Oxfordshire County Council · Pembrokeshire · Wales · Oxfordshire

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