THE election of Susan Brown as the new leader of Oxford City Council has been welcomed by opponents.

Andrew Gant, the Liberal Democrats’ leader on the council, said he had already exchanged emails with Ms Brown early this morning to congratulate her on her victory.

She will officially take over from current leader Bob Price at a council meeting on Monday.

Dr Gant said: “I very much appreciate Bob Price’s collaborative approach and look forward to that continuing.”

In a statement, the new Labour group leader Ms Brown said she hoped to work with other parties, adding: “My aim as leader will be to listen to the citizens of Oxford, my party and my colleagues. No one party or organisation has a monopoly on good ideas.”

David Thomas, the Green Party’s leader on the city council, also welcomed Ms Brown’s election.

He said: “It’s really good news. Susan has been the customer services portfolio holder and she has done a really good job with that.

“I have been impressed with her work on the financial inclusion strategy, which I thought was excellent.

“Congratulations to Susan and I look forward to working with her."

He added: “I think she will be at very good at reaching consensus and moving the city forward - but I hope this is an opportunity for the Labour group to review some of its strategy around rough sleeping and homelessness.”

Nigel Tipple, chairman of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, has also welcomed the appointment.