GREEN Party councillors and supporters staged a silent protest outside County Hall in Oxford yesterday against so-called “secret and illicit” meetings of party leaders.

David Williams, leader of the Green group on Oxfordshire County Council, said he was being shut out of meetings held by Conservative group leader Ian Hudspeth with Labour group leader Liz Brighouse and the Liberal Democrat leader Richard Webber. It is understood council officers have been attending the meetings and taking minutes of the discussions, which have covered topics including spending cuts, proposals for devolution in Oxfordshire and the reorganisation of social care.

A county council spokesman said parties had broken no rules by not inviting the Green leader because the meetings were “separate” from official council business.

But Mr Williams said: “These are all political matters of great interest to the public.

“Since proposed total cuts of over £290m impinge upon the lives of people all over Oxfordshire, it is vital that all county decisions are made openly.

“But my attempts to secure a place at the meetings have been unsuccessful.”