ONE of Oxford's most prominent councillors has announced he is stepping down from his role as board member for environment.

Labour councillor John Tanner said this morning he will stand down from Oxford City Council's executive board this Tuesday.

Mr Tanner, 72, has been the council's 'board member for a clean and green Oxford' for 10 years, leading on projects such as the annual green week and the world-first Zero Emissions Zone being planned for the city centre.

Announcing his decision this morning he said: "Holding the brief for recycling, clean air and climate change in Oxford has been a wonderful opportunity, great fun and a real privilege.

"We have an excellent bunch of Oxford Labour councillors, more than ever before, and it's time to let somebody a bit younger take on the role.

"On clean and green issues the Oxford public is always way ahead of the councillors.

"I'm thrilled that we now recycle half of all household waste, are introducing the UK's first Zero Emission Zone and are well on the way to shrinking the whole city’s carbon footprint by 40 per cent by 2020."

Mr Tanner clarified that he will continue to serve as a councillor, but spend more time focusing on other duties, including building links with Oxford's various twin towns.

He said: "I now have more time to represent the residents of Littlemore, to explore closer links with other European cities and to dig my allotment. I will continue to support Oxford Labour's plans for more homes, better cycling facilities and the Oxford Living Wage of £9.69 an hour."

Mr Tanner has been a city councillor for 28 years, was council leader from 1998 to 2000, Lord Mayor in 2007/ 2008 and a county councillor in East Oxford from 2009 to 2017.

He previously represented South Ward (now Hinksey Park) on the city for 12 years, but since 2002 has been, and remains, one of two city councillors for Littlemore.

Mr Tanner's announcement follows the retirement of long-serving leader Bob Price and Lord Mayor Jean Fooks from the council this year.

New City Executive Board members will be announced by the new city council leader Susan Brown at the council's annual meeting this Tuesday.