James Hartley
Liberal Democrat Oxfordshire County councillor for Chesterton and Launton.
James Hartley held Chesterton and Launton for the Liberal Democrats at a by-election on 3 September 2026, a result that gave the party majority control of Oxfordshire County Council, according to Mark Pack.
Last refreshed: 7 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for James Hartley
Held Chesterton and Launton
UK Local Elections 2026: Labour takes Hirst and Amble from ReformBackground
James Hartley is a Liberal Democrat councillor on Oxfordshire County Council for the Chesterton and Launton division. He held it for his party at a by-election on 3 September 2026, and Mark Pack reported that the result gave the Liberal Democrats majority control of the county council.
Democracy Club records 985 votes for Hartley, first of five candidates; PollCheck puts his share at 41.7%, ahead of the Conservatives and Reform UK. He had stood for the Liberal Democrats several times before without success, including in Deddington on Cherwell District Council.
Oxfordshire is one of the 14 county areas whose July 2026 reorganisation decisions have been under a ministerial review since 7 September, so the council he joined may yet be replaced.
Who won the Chesterton and Launton by-election?
Do the Liberal Democrats control Oxfordshire County Council?
Which division does James Hartley represent?
