Final version agreed and sent.“I was very sad to hear from Councillor Barbara Coyne that she had made the very difficult decision to leave the Labour Party and therefore our Labour Group. Barbara has written to me to say that she is resigning on the basis of her principles and convictions over the party’s national response to the unfolding situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

“She has however, also told me that she does not wish to join any other groups on Oxford City Council and intends to vote with the Labour Group, working to implement the manifesto on which we were all elected.

“I know she will continue to represent her constituents as an independent councillor and champion causes close to her heart, including the needs of older people.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council