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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 55
Oxford News By Hana Edition 55
Complete control?
Mark Skipworth
May 14, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 55
Oxford Outlook: Complete control?
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Confused? You will be, as they used to say at the start of every episode of Soap, the classic 1970s TV comedy (showing my age there!). To recap, following last week’s local elections, no party is in overall control of Oxford City Council, though Labour remains its largest party despite losing seats to the Greens.
In West Oxfordshire, the district council is under no overall control, the Liberal Democrats still the largest party, while Cherwell District Council is also under no overall control, with the Liberal Democrats again the largest party. Keeping up, I hope?
The big post-election fallout occurred within Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). There were, in fact, no elections to it last week, but Liz Leffman, leader of the Liberal Democrat-led authority, chose to announce she will be stepping down.
And more was to come: Andrew Gant, the county council’s controversial transport chief, said he, too, was stepping down after four years in the role.
To many motorists, Gant was the bete beige of the OCC, the council elder behind Oxford’s “temporary” congestion charge, who failed to get a grip on the county’s pothole crisis.
He reveals in a BBC report in this week’s newsletter that he faced “horrid” abuse while in the role, which affected his decision to step down, though he insists it made “no contribution” to the policies he spearheaded. He will remain a councillor.
How sad to hear. Whatever the merits or otherwise of contentious Westminster or council policies, no one in public life should be the target of personal attacks on social media, as Gant says he was throughout his time in office.
Such malicious actions can never be condoned, though there are many law-abiding motorists using Oxfordshire’s roads who feel they are being victimised and exploited by the county council’s perceived “anti-car” approach.
Time for a re-set, perhaps? Let us hope that Rebekah Fletcher, as new transport chief, will adopt a more sympathetic ear to all the users of the county’s highways, even those on four wheels.
* Great Western Railway (GWR), the rail operator whose services link Oxford and Didcot to London, the West of England and South Wales, is to be renationalised in December as part of the new Great British Railways programme, the government has confirmed. Fair enough, but is GWR really so dysfunctional that it requires being brought back into public ownership? Personally, I’ve always found its (privatised) services pretty reliable, its staff courteous and helpful. Surely, the government’s valuable time could be better spent looking to renationalise Thames Water and the other water companies? Now there’s an essential industry that’s stuck in second class.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
The University of Oxford has more than 70 Nobel laureates associated with it either as alumni or in faculty. That’s more than the total of Nobel laureates for Japan and Russia combined (64).
Top university colleges, based on notable Nobel Prize winners, include Balliol, Magdalen, Merton and Somerville.
Key laureates include: Dorothy Hodgkin, Chemistry, Somerville; Malala Yousafzai, Peace, also Somerville; William Golding, Literature, Brasenose, and T.S Eliot, Literature, Merton.
The University of Cambridge, however, claims its “126 affiliates… have received more Nobel Prizes than those of any other institution”. An odd way of putting it. Regardless, it seems Oxford, despite its own stellar performance, has a long way to catch up.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Ex-Oxfordshire transport chief Andrew Gant faced "horrid" abuse
BBC News · May 13, 2026
Andrew Gant, the former transport chief of Oxfordshire County Council, has resigned after facing intense public backlash over controversial initiatives like 20mph speed limits and zero-emission zones, which resulted in personal attacks on social media. He expressed relief at being able to speak more freely now that he has stepped down from his role.
Leader of Lib Dem-led Oxfordshire County Council to step down
BBC · May 12, 2026
Liz Leffman announced she will step down as leader of the Liberal Democrat group in Oxfordshire County Council, paving the way for Tim Bearder to succeed her. Emphasising a continued focus on local government reform and climate action, Leffman reflected on her privilege of serving since 2021.
Oxford control hangs in the balance after local elections
Oxford Mail · May 11, 2026
Following the city council elections in Oxford, Labour remains the largest party but lacks a working majority, while the Green Party celebrates its highest representation with 13 seats. Coalition talks are ongoing, particularly between the Greens and Lib Dems, as they aim to promote a fairer, greener Oxford amid discussions on collaboration and essential service delivery.
Leader of Cherwell District Council steps down after two years
BBC News · May 13, 2026
David Hingley has stepped down as the leader of Cherwell District Council after two years, marking the first Liberal Democrat leadership in the council's history, despite recent electoral gains. He will continue to serve as a councillor while the party prepares to nominate Lesley McLean and Chris Brant for new leadership roles.
Great Western Railway to be nationalised in December
The Guardian · May 8, 2026
Great Western Railway (GWR) will be nationalised in December, becoming the 11th train operator to return to public ownership as part of a broader plan by the Labour government to renationalise all passenger trains by the end of 2027. This transition follows a 30-year period of private management, with GWR connecting London to Oxford and Didcot as well as the West of England and South Wales.
World's first laughing gas breathalyser trialled by Thames Valley Police
The world’s first roadside “laughing gas breathalyser” is being trialled by Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police to help detect drivers who may have used nitrous oxide. The device is designed to identify the gas in a person’s breath quickly, supporting enforcement against drug-driving and wider illegal nitrous oxide use. The trial reflects growing concern about laughing gas as both a road safety risk and a public nuisance, with police hoping the technology will give officers a faster, more practical way to test suspected offenders.
'Inevitable odour' as giant Kidlington illegal waste tip removed
BBC News · May 12, 2026
The Environment Agency is currently removing a massive illegal waste tip near Kidlington, which contains 21,000 tonnes of mixed domestic and commercial waste, in a £7.3 million operation expected to last about five months. Residents have been warned about potential odours during the process, while efforts to clear the area are making progress.
Oxford named one of UK’s most culturally rich places to live
Yahoo News · May 10, 2026
Oxford has been named the second most culturally rich place to live in the UK, boasting 6.7 libraries per capita, a vibrant creative workforce and over 120 languages spoken. With key landmarks such as the Sheldonian Theatre and lively neighbourhoods like Jericho and Cowley Road, the city offers a diverse array of cultural experiences, from farmers' markets to international cuisine.
Oxford police were given extra powers to curb escalating anti-social behaviour
Yahoo News · May 11, 2026
Thames Valley Police enacted a section 34 dispersal order in North Oxford due to escalating anti-social behaviour linked to car thefts, enabling officers to remove individuals from the area. Community cooperation has been appreciated as multiple arrests have already been made in connection with these incidents.
Oxford Union under fire over Tommy Robinson ‘Islam debate’ invitation
The Oxford Union's invitation to controversial figure Tommy Robinson for a debate on Islam has ignited fierce debates about free speech versus hate speech, leading to protests and calls for reconsideration from student groups and community organisations. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle universities face in balancing open discourse with their social responsibilities.
Thousands take part in annual Town and Gown run in Oxford
BBC · May 10, 2026
The annual Town and Gown run in Oxford attracted around 7,500 participants, raising over £350,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which has garnered more than £3 million since 1982. The charity's events manager praised the event for its community spirit and impact on research and support for those with muscle-wasting conditions.
Planned mega-reservoir near Abingdon moves a step nearer
BBC News · May 13, 2026
Plans for the White Horse Reservoir near Abingdon are progressing towards a planning application, with Thames Water calling the £7.5 billion project essential for supplying water to 15 million people in southeast England. Despite mixed responses from the community and concerns raised about its ecological impact, a judicial review sought by local groups has been dismissed by the High Court.
Meet the Oxford University library cat keeping students company
Yahoo News · May 11, 2026
Meet Issy, a charming six-year-old Siberian Forest Cat who has become a beloved companion at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. His calming presence in the library not only comforts stressed students but also attracts attention around town, making him a popular figure and an honorary guest at other colleges.
Oxford museum urges people to install swift boxes as numbers fall
BBC News · May 13, 2026
Swifts have been nesting at Oxford's Museum of Natural History for 80 years, but their population has declined by 47% nationally due to habitat loss; the museum's long-term study recorded 14 nesting swifts this year. Education officer Chris Jarvis highlights the need for swift boxes and insect-friendly gardens to support these remarkable birds, which can consume over a million insects each.
Sport
Oxford Outlook: The sound of leather on willow
The football season is over. Oxford United saw to that, thanks to their deserved demotion from the Championship to League One. So this column will focus on cricket for the next few months.
It is, frankly, bizarre that Oxfordshire does not boast a top-tier county cricket team. Then again, neither does Cambridgeshire nor Norfolk. Cornwall and Devon also fail to trouble the scorers at the upper echelons of this quintessentially English game. Odd, but true.
Fear not. Oxford Cricket Club is stumping up for the dark blues in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League (Division Two).
The first XI beat Stoke Green at the Oxford University Press Sports Ground last Saturday quite comfortably. They scored 148/2 to see off their opponent’s total of 146. Pimm’s and prawn sandwiches all round!
Next up for The Romans are Chesham CC away on Saturday, 16 May. Bowl hard and bat hard, boys. Then help yourself to Chesham’s hospitality.
The Sports Desk
Przemyslaw Placheta and nine other players to leave Oxford United this summer
BBC Sport · May 11, 2026
Oxford United winger Przemyslaw Placheta and nine other players will depart the club this summer following their relegation to League One, with notable exits including Myles Peart-Harris and Hidde ter Avest. Placheta, who joined in 2024 and made 60 appearances, was sidelined last season due to injury, while Peart-Harris contributed 20 matches after his January arrival.
Property news
Five Cotswolds villages named among the UK's prettiest
Oxford Mail · May 12, 2026
Discover the Cotswolds' charm through five stunning villages featured in Country Living's May 2026 issue, including Bibury and Castle Combe, known for their breathtaking landscapes and historic architecture. With a diverse range of accommodations from StayCotswold, there's the perfect getaway waiting for everyone to explore this picturesque region this spring!
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Oxfordshire Artweeks – Be part of Oxfordshire’s largest arts festival
Artweeks · |
Until 25 May, immerse yourself in a vibrant art experience as over a thousand artists showcase their diverse works across various venues in Oxfordshire including university colleges, studios and ancient churches. This free event offers a chance to engage with artists, discover unique treasures and explore a wide range of artistic disciplines from painting to textiles. |
Village pub near Oxford plans bank holiday beer festival
Oxford Mail · May 2, 2026 |
Join The Perch in Binsey for their beer and cider festival on May 23-24, featuring over 50 local brews, a seasonal menu and a garden Shed Bar. Experience the rich history of one of Oxford's oldest pubs while enjoying a convivial atmosphere that’s perfect for family gatherings and celebrations! |
Case of 'if not now, when?' for first-ever Didcot Pride
BBC News · May 11, 2026
Didcot Pride, the inaugural Pride event in Didcot on June 13, will offer a family-friendly day at Northbourne Community Centre with local charities, food and entertainment, followed by a ticketed adult-only evening show featuring cabaret and drag performances. The event aims to promote visibility and community support under the message "love is love."
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