THE leader of West Oxfordshire District Council last night refused to say why a top councillor was no longer a member of his cabinet.

Hilary Biles quit her post as cabinet member for leisure, young people and health on Wednesday. But council leader Barry Norton, who chooses the cabinet, refused to explain why the decision was made, saying only: “No comment.”

Mrs Biles, who remains the Conservative member for Ascott and Shipton, said she was not willing to comment. The Oxford Mail has spoken to every cabinet member but they also either declined to comment or said they did not know what was going on.

Carys Davies, communications manager at the council, said: “This is a private matter between the leader of the council and Councillor Biles.”

Mr Norton took Mrs Biles’ place at a meeting on Wednesday to award grants to young achievers in sport and art.