Gareth Epps
@garethepps.bsky.social
Liberal Democrat county councillor for Deddington, North Oxfordshire. He/him. Campaigner for pubs.
Pinned
Gareth Epps
@garethepps.bsky.social
· Sep 28
Recently I brought Calum Miller MP to the site of Ardley station. A developer-funded reprovided station here is essential to avoiding gridlock should Heyford Park New Town, Puy du Fou and OxSFRI go ahead.
Sign the petition at: www.oxonld.uk/ardley-station
Sign the petition at: www.oxonld.uk/ardley-station
A long day, starting at 9am at County Hall, ended at a very constructive North Aston Parish Meeting and a visit to Somerton to check on a much-needed repair to a drain which had been overflowing.
December 9, 2025 at 10:44 PM
A long day, starting at 9am at County Hall, ended at a very constructive North Aston Parish Meeting and a visit to Somerton to check on a much-needed repair to a drain which had been overflowing.
As Deddington’s county councillor I think it’s only right to ask people to vote for Britain’s best farmers’ market!
nabma.com/MyFavouriteM...
nabma.com/MyFavouriteM...
Vote for Britain's Favourite Market - NABMA
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE MARKET Every year, we ask operators, traders, and members of the public to nominate their favourite market for the Great British Market of the Year Awards. […]
nabma.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:37 PM
As Deddington’s county councillor I think it’s only right to ask people to vote for Britain’s best farmers’ market!
nabma.com/MyFavouriteM...
nabma.com/MyFavouriteM...
At County Council today to discuss motions on mental health, the proposed reservoir, and weedkilling, as well as a motion on devolution proposals.
Coming into council I stopped to listen to firefighters who are concerned about proposed changes to the Fire & Rescue Service out for consultation.
Coming into council I stopped to listen to firefighters who are concerned about proposed changes to the Fire & Rescue Service out for consultation.
December 9, 2025 at 10:45 AM
At County Council today to discuss motions on mental health, the proposed reservoir, and weedkilling, as well as a motion on devolution proposals.
Coming into council I stopped to listen to firefighters who are concerned about proposed changes to the Fire & Rescue Service out for consultation.
Coming into council I stopped to listen to firefighters who are concerned about proposed changes to the Fire & Rescue Service out for consultation.
This is marvellous. Brought a tear to my eye.
December 8, 2025 at 10:52 AM
This is marvellous. Brought a tear to my eye.
Who’d be a local government finance officer?
Not only are councils having to prepare for dire financial settlements (and we know this will be the case in Oxfordshire).
We would normally have the news by now. But Labour has delayed. What a way to treat those….
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Not only are councils having to prepare for dire financial settlements (and we know this will be the case in Oxfordshire).
We would normally have the news by now. But Labour has delayed. What a way to treat those….
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Local authorities in England and Wales warn finances at ‘breaking point’
More councils expected to fall into bankruptcy in near future as they face nervous wait over government funding
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Who’d be a local government finance officer?
Not only are councils having to prepare for dire financial settlements (and we know this will be the case in Oxfordshire).
We would normally have the news by now. But Labour has delayed. What a way to treat those….
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Not only are councils having to prepare for dire financial settlements (and we know this will be the case in Oxfordshire).
We would normally have the news by now. But Labour has delayed. What a way to treat those….
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
I think we’ve just had a masterclass in how to buy a wicket (or two).
December 5, 2025 at 10:15 AM
I think we’ve just had a masterclass in how to buy a wicket (or two).
Classic last wicket partnership earlier. Might get up early tomorrow to watch part 2.
December 4, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Classic last wicket partnership earlier. Might get up early tomorrow to watch part 2.
More good news.
More, better and faster timetabled bus services on Stagecoach Oxford start today, as a direct result of the Temporary Congestion Charge.
www.stagecoachbus.com/service-upda...
www.stagecoachbus.com/service-upda...
ServiceUpdatesArticle
www.stagecoachbus.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:24 AM
More good news.
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Another snowy day today in Reykjavík. No play looks imminent.
November 29, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Another snowy day today in Reykjavík. No play looks imminent.
At County Hall this morning for the joint consultative committee with representatives of the fire service. I’ve been picking up consultations with firefighters and am very open to listening to more. It’s vital that in this process, above all else, the views of frontline staff are heard.
November 28, 2025 at 12:45 PM
At County Hall this morning for the joint consultative committee with representatives of the fire service. I’ve been picking up consultations with firefighters and am very open to listening to more. It’s vital that in this process, above all else, the views of frontline staff are heard.
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Of course it's not workable.
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Gay MP perfectly explains why single-sex spaces guidance is 'unworkable'
A Lib Dem MP perfectly explained in parliament why the EHRC's draft single-space guidance is "unworkable".
www.thepinknews.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Of course it's not workable.
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Well done LibDem MP Josh Barbarinde for spelling it out in the House of Commons.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/26/e...
Budget beer located.
November 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Budget beer located.
It looks like fossil fuel shill Reeves is setting out a Budget that’s not so much an omnishambles as a multiple arson attack. Businesses left, right and centre will be destroyed - from hospitality to automation and many others besides. Truss mark 2.
November 26, 2025 at 1:08 PM
It looks like fossil fuel shill Reeves is setting out a Budget that’s not so much an omnishambles as a multiple arson attack. Businesses left, right and centre will be destroyed - from hospitality to automation and many others besides. Truss mark 2.
This is the first of I wonder how many?
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Reform UK's former Wales leader Nathan Gill is being sentenced over pro-Russia bribes
Nathan Gill is being sentenced at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 12:55 PM
This is the first of I wonder how many?
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
A proper deterrent sentence for those who take bribes from Putin.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It hits particularly hard this year - a powerful reminder of why we fight, and a moment to reflect on those no longer with us.
May they rest in power.
May they rest in power.
November 20, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It hits particularly hard this year - a powerful reminder of why we fight, and a moment to reflect on those no longer with us.
May they rest in power.
May they rest in power.
Oxford Labour, summarised in a skeet.
Oxford City Council’s planning committee has rejected a plan by two colleges to build padel courts and new footpaths because, among other reasons, it “fails to preserve the openness of the Green Belt”. The City Council is currently bidding to enlarge its area so that it can build on the Green Belt.
November 20, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Oxford Labour, summarised in a skeet.
Reposted by Gareth Epps
Because clearly you already know before the trial whether someone is guilty.
"Do you think the plebs should get a jury trial" is such a thrilling line from Labour, truly great to see this
November 20, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Because clearly you already know before the trial whether someone is guilty.
I thought OxPCF’s take was really helpful and fair. SEND is vitally important and while we should acknowledge progress and the hard work done to get things moving in the right direction, there is still a lot to be done. (And a crisis in funding and a crisis in young people’s mental health)
OxPCF said: “For some, day-to-day experiences remain extremely difficult. We want to acknowledge that honestly. Both realities can exist at once: families are facing significant challenges, and there are also people who are genuinely committed to making things better.”
November 20, 2025 at 11:47 AM
I thought OxPCF’s take was really helpful and fair. SEND is vitally important and while we should acknowledge progress and the hard work done to get things moving in the right direction, there is still a lot to be done. (And a crisis in funding and a crisis in young people’s mental health)
At the joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee today with children and adult mental health services on the agenda.
November 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM
At the joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee today with children and adult mental health services on the agenda.
Good to watch Cabinet adopt Oxfordshire’s visionary Plan for Rail. Good, too, to speak to Government advisor Neale Coleman of the necessity and benefit of Ardley station should significant development proceed.
November 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Good to watch Cabinet adopt Oxfordshire’s visionary Plan for Rail. Good, too, to speak to Government advisor Neale Coleman of the necessity and benefit of Ardley station should significant development proceed.
Reposted by Gareth Epps
These are the voters that Labour strategists have made very clear over a long period of time that they don't want any more, and it's a message that has now been heard
I've been out canvassing quite a lot in London lately. Labour's vote has absolutely evaporated.... it is quite extraordinary to go to places where Labour were on 50-60% of the vote at the last locals and find nobody, or virtually nobody, supporting them.
The phrase 'I voted Labour last time, but...
The phrase 'I voted Labour last time, but...
November 18, 2025 at 12:03 PM
These are the voters that Labour strategists have made very clear over a long period of time that they don't want any more, and it's a message that has now been heard
Reposted by Gareth Epps
I join Calum in his calls for urgent action. The Secretary of State should step in and issue an immediate directive to the Environment Agency to clear up the illegal dump as has been done in similar previous cases. The National Crime Agency should also be brought in to investigate this vile crime.
The contaminated waste piled high in a field near Kidlington is now washing into River Cherwell. In the last 48 hours, the water level has risen 4+ feet and is lapping against the illegal dump.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
November 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I join Calum in his calls for urgent action. The Secretary of State should step in and issue an immediate directive to the Environment Agency to clear up the illegal dump as has been done in similar previous cases. The National Crime Agency should also be brought in to investigate this vile crime.
Discussion of Heyford Park New Town proposals on You And Yours today - starting from around 24 minutes in.
You and Yours - AI Christmas Shopping, Porch Piracy, Tourist Scams - BBC Sounds
Is AI fast becoming Santa's newest little helper?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Discussion of Heyford Park New Town proposals on You And Yours today - starting from around 24 minutes in.
Mahmood’s blend of performative cruelty peculiarly also contains heroic levels of faith in the efficiency and competence of the Home Office and Border Force. It’s a sign of the mess Labour are in that nobody seems to have told her the likely outcome.
November 17, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Mahmood’s blend of performative cruelty peculiarly also contains heroic levels of faith in the efficiency and competence of the Home Office and Border Force. It’s a sign of the mess Labour are in that nobody seems to have told her the likely outcome.
Great to see the work of our opposition on West Northamptonshire recognised and our group there grow.
Cllr Farzana Aldridge said she left Labour after feeling the party was moving away from "community-focused and forward-looking politics".
Northampton Labour councillor joins the Liberal Democrats
A Labour member of West Northamptonshire Council has crossed to the Liberal Democrats after becoming increasingly concerned”= with the party...
liberalengland.blogspot.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Great to see the work of our opposition on West Northamptonshire recognised and our group there grow.