The Tories made losses across Oxfordshire in the local elections last week including in the Vale of White Horse’s only seat to be voted on.

In the Vale of White Horse, a by-election was held in the Steventon and Hanneys ward.

Liberal democrat Sally Povolotsky, who also sits on the county council is the replacement for the Thames Valley’s Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mathew Barber, who held the seat since 2003.

READ ALSO: Grove woman fined £500 for claiming a reduction on her Council Tax

Mr Barber resigned as a district councillor to spend more time on his work as a PCC.

Mrs Povolotsky won 878 votes and beat Conservative’s Louise Brown who secured 519 and Labour’s David Corps, who had 199 votes.

Following the win Mrs Povolotsky said: “I think it is a reflection of the good work that has gone into the community over the last year and that people now recognise they now have a councillor that works hard for them all year round.”

She added: “With the cost of living crisis, the climate emergency and the constant sleaze, I think the Government need to recognise that people want change and they are not prepared to put up with this nonsense anymore.”

READ ALSO: Kingston Bagpuize gets £600K for a new sports pavilion

In Oxford, Labour maintained its majority, but lost two seats, the Liberal Democrats stayed the same, and the Independents went from two seats to one after Marston's Mick Haines stepped down having spent 10 years in the role.

The Greens were the biggest winners of the night, gaining three seats.

Herald Series: Oxford election countOxford election count

The Tories lost control of West Oxfordshire for the first time in 22 years.

The Conservative Party used to hold 27 of the 49 seats, but two cabinet members, including the deputy leader, lost their seats to Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates.

The West Oxfordshire Council Leader David Harvey had sat on the council since 1998. However, his seat in Witney South was lost to Labour’s Michael Brooker by 68 votes.

READ ALSO: Ceramic and textile artists showcase their work in Wantage for Oxfordshire art weeks

Outgoing deputy leader Mr Harvey said he did not blame “Boris bashing” for his defeat. However, when asked about Boris Johnson, Mr Harvey admitted national politics “may have affected the result”.

The Conservatives won four of the 16 seats available, Liberal Democrats won eight seats, labour won three and the Green Party won one seat.

Herald Series: West Oxfordshire District Council countWest Oxfordshire District Council count

Overall, the Conservatives now have 20 councillors, Liberal Democrats 15, Labour have nine councillors, three sit as independents and there are now two Green councillors.

Last week a third of the seats on Cherwell District Council were up for election.

Labour now holds 10 seats, the Liberal Democrats seven and the Green Party two. John Broad won his seat again to ensure there remain four independent members.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok

Got a story for us? Send us your news and pictures here

List an event for free on our website here