Controversial plans to move sports facilities could be scrapped after a major power shift on Witney Town Council.

The ruling Conservatives held a closed meeting on Friday night and voted against David Harvey, pictured, retaining the position of group leader.

He has held the spot for 13 years and spearheaded the plan to relocate facilities from West Witney Sports Ground in Burford Road to a new site in Downs Road.

The scheme would see the existing site sold to developers, generating an estimated £7m to fund the new complex near Witney Lakes resort.

The Tory leadership election was won by Pete Dorward, who described the plan as “controversial” and said the council would launch a review. He added: “I am not happy about selling green space but the policy, until it is overturned, is the land will be sold. We will discuss whether to continue.”

Mr Dorward said the leadership election had not been “cloak and dagger” but a “ground swell within that asked for change”.

Mr Harvey declined to comment, saying: “I stick to the rules.”