Phil Godfrey Defects from Liberal Democrats to Conservatives

Councillor Phil Godfrey resigned from the Liberal Democrats on Wednesday to join the Conservative group on the West Oxfordshire District Council. Representing Carterton North West, Godfrey cited a lack of support for securing a permanent home for Carterton Football Club and opposition to plans to build on the Woodford Way car park in Witney.

Godfrey criticized the Liberal Democrats' local and national leadership as weak and expressed discomfort with what he described as the party's anti-motorist approach. He stated that local politics should focus on listening to residents and delivering practical solutions.

Conservative group leader Michele Mead and deputy leader Liam Walker welcomed the defection, with Walker suggesting the move reflects broader concerns regarding the direction of the Liberal Democrat-led administration. Andy Graham, the Liberal Democrat leader on the council, stated that while the party respects Godfrey's right to leave, they do not accept some of the reasons provided in his resignation letter.