The Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate to contest the Witney seat at the next general election has joined the executive of West Oxfordshire District Council.

Councillor Charlie Maynard has become executive member for planning and sustainable development after Councillor Carl Rylett stepped down for personal reasons.

Leader of the council Andy Graham thanked Cllr Rylett for his service and said he had done "a fantastic job".

He said: “I would like to welcome Cllr Maynard to the Executive and look forward to working with him on this key area of council delivery as we look to plan for a future for West Oxfordshire that takes into account our need for more affordable homes, tackling the climate emergency, providing support for communities and protecting our environment.”

Mr Maynard said it was "an honour" to be taking on the role.

He said: "We have an ambitious agenda around our plans for the future and I look forward to working with councillor colleagues and communities to bring those ambitions to life, creating a West Oxfordshire that is fit for the future.”

Cllr Rylett will continue to represent Eynsham and Cassington ward.

The new appointment was made at the Executive Meeting on Wednesday November 15.