WEST Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats have unanimously elected a new leader.

Group chairman Andy Graham will take on the role after ex-chief Julian Cooper carried out his pledge to resign this month.

Mr Cooper resigned suddenly during a West Oxfordshire District Council meeting in October following a 'toxic' speech from Lib Dem councillor Jake Acock asking members to endorse a People's Vote on Brexit.

Mr Acock later said the party leader had 'let down his colleagues'.

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The Woodstock and Bladon councillor decided to continue as leader until this month in an emergency meeting immediately after council.

Mr Graham, of Charlbury and Finstock ward, was elected to the council in 2015.

He said: "I want to pay tribute to Julian Cooper for his leadership over the years. He earned respect across the council.

"If I could do half the job he did I would consider it a great achievement.

"He stays as a great councillor, always putting the residents of Woodstock and Bladon first.

"I will lead the group as their representative challenging the Conservative-led administration and ensuring co-operation and common sense is applied to ensure the best outcomes for our residents."