Congestion charge roads boss steps down from cabinet

The man behind a historic city's temporary congestion charge is stepping down from the role.

Andrew Gant is leaving Oxfordshire County Council's Liberal Democrat cabinet, and his role as lead member for transport management, but will remain a councillor.

Gant said he was "hugely proud" of everything his team had achieved during his time on the authority, but said it was the "right time to think about demands and priorities".

It comes less than a month after the transport boss apologised for the gathering of incorrect data about Oxford's congestion charge, and criticism of the signage around the scheme.

Gant said: "After four years in post I have decided not to seek re-election to the cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council.

"I am hugely proud of all we have achieved, and now is the right time to think about demands and priorities.

"I look forward to supporting the clear principles of this visionary Liberal Democrat administration in any way I can."

Responding to the news, council leader Liz Leffman thanked Gant for his years of service to the community.

She said under his guidance the county had "become a flagship for safer, cleaner transport and active travel, with the introduction of 20mph speed limits, safer cycling and walking in our towns and villages, and the introduction of electric buses and the temporary congestion charge in Oxford".

"He will of course continue to be a member the Lib Dem group on the county council, and I look forward to working with him in that capacity," she added.

Gant is the second cabinet member to stand down, following the decision of Ben Higgins to leave the party and sit as an independent on Friday.

The administration will announce new appointments to the cabinet at Tuesday's full council meeting.

There were no elections to Oxfordshire County Council last week.