West Oxfordshire councillors have voted to quadruple their pay.

The majority Conservative Party used the introduction of a new system of local government to push through the new allowances.

Councillors will now receive £3,700 a year while the leader of the council will get £17,900.

The bill for councillors jumps from £80,000 last year to £312,000 next year.

One Tory, Paul Wesson, resigned from the party in protest at the decision.

Mr Wesson, who switched to the Independents, said: "I cannot go along with such a large increase."

Other Conservatives were also concerned about the new payments.

David Harvey said: "My gut feeling is that we will now get a different sort of councillor.

"The honest joes who do their bit for the community may not be able to afford the time under this new system."

A move by the Liberal Democrats to reduce the amounts being paid for special responsibilities was voted down.

The council is now run by a six-member Cabinet of councillors who supervise day-to-day management.

Planning and licensing matters continue as before.

New leader Barry Norton said: "We do not like the new system, but the Government has forced us to change."