I emailed councillor Leffman this evening. I won’t bore you with me asking her to sign the heads of terms, but I did say this:
Alongside this, recent objections raised by Councillor Dan Levy (Cabinet Member for Finance) and Councillor Andrew Gant (Cabinet Member for Transport Management) have raised questions about the decision-making process. Both councillors have openly objected to the plans, citing concerns on behalf of their local council, while simultaneously stating they hold positions of neutrality when making stadium related decisions as part of their Cabinet responsibilities. This has raised doubts among the Oxford United supporter base about the fairness of the decision-making process, particularly regarding how councillors can switch between roles of objection and neutrality depending on the setting they are in.
These concerns have been echoed by other councillors, such as Councillor Liam Miller who today stated that “both should be removed from any further discussions on the matter” and Councillor Sean Woodcock, who today openly questioned “how Councillor Levy can be entrusted with this important decision without serious questions as to his impartiality”.
I am not here to make accusations over impartiality, but as Leader of the Council and a member of the County Council Cabinet, your role is pivotal in ensuring fair and transparent decision-making processes. I urge you to consider these concerns, which are shared across a growing number of Oxford United supporters, and ensure that the decisions regarding the Oxford United Stadium development are made fairly and in the best interests of the whole community.