Oxfordshire’s Green Party is now the fourth-largest political force on Oxfordshire County Council, with a newly confirmed group of seven councillors forming a strengthened opposition presence.
The group, now more than double its previous size, marks the largest-ever Green representation on the council. The leadership team has also been announced Ian Middleton will continue as Group Leader, with newly elected Cllr Emily Kerr taking the role of Deputy Leader.
Cllr Middleton, who represents Kidlington East on both County and Cherwell District Councils, said:
“I’m delighted to be continuing as the leader of a Green Group on OCC that’s now more than double the size of our previous grouping. The amazing successes of our candidates across the county demonstrates that Greens continue to represent a growing force in local politics in Oxfordshire. I look forward to leading a group of brilliant individuals to help deliver effective and responsive local services, whilst furthering the Green priorities of tackling climate change and ensuring social justice for all.”
Cllr Kerr, representing Bartlemas Division and also serving as a City Councillor, added:
“I’m really excited to be part of the biggest Green group ever on the County Council and to be Deputy Leader. I look forward to working constructively on some of the projects we jointly agreed as part of the last administration, and to challenging the new Liberal Democrat majority administration to continually do better on key areas of climate, education, and transport.”
Full Green Group Members:
- Ian Middleton (Kidlington East)
- Emily Kerr (Bartlemas)
- Robin Jones (Berinsfield and Garsington)
- Gavin McLauchlan (Benson and Crowmarsh)
- Emma Garnett (Parks)
- James Barlow (Wallingford).
- Emma Markham (Shrivenham)
This new group replaces the Greens’ previous role in coalition with the Liberal Democrats, in which they held the position of Deputy Leader of the Council.
The Greens’ increased presence reflects a shift in the local political landscape and signals their intention to push harder for climate action, equitable services, and transport reform across Oxfordshire.
Who is Cllr Emily Kerr – Deputy Leader of the Green Group
Emily Kerr has lived in Oxford’s St Mary’s ward since 2015 and brings a deep commitment to sustainability, community action, and education to her new role on Oxfordshire County Council. A sustainability consultant by profession, she has worked on high-impact projects including Marks & Spencer’s net zero carbon strategy.
Emily is the founder of Share Our Cars, a national campaign that promotes car-sharing as a practical alternative to car ownership. Locally, she has helped launch multiple neighbourhood car-sharing groups, reducing traffic, emissions, and parking pressure. She is a strong advocate for cycling and pedestrian safety and has been active in campaigns to reduce car dominance in urban areas.
Her academic background includes a degree in Genetics from Cambridge, an MBA from INSEAD (France & Singapore), and a foundation course in English Literature from Oxford.
Recognised by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire as a Climate Change Hero, Emily is also passionate about youth development and education. She has served as a school governor for over 13 years and previously ran a company publishing travel guides for children. She also volunteers as a Forest School Camps leader.
Emily lives with her partner and their three young children. Her work bridges grassroots activism and strategic policy, aiming to deliver real, local impact on climate and social justice issues.
