Councillor arrested over coercive behaviour report

Adam Clements is the councillor for the Milton under Wychwood ward

A councillor has been arrested on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour after police were called to a house in Oxfordshire.

Adam Clements, who represents the Milton under Wychwood ward at West Oxfordshire District Council, was held after officers attended a property in Chipping Norton on 14 June.

Mr Clements, who was elected in 2024 for the Liberal Democrats, has called the allegations "entirely untrue".

In a statement, the Liberal Democrats said: "A district councillor in West Oxfordshire has been suspended from the council group and party due to an ongoing police investigation. We are unable to comment further whilst this is ongoing."

The BBC understands he has been bailed and a police investigation is ongoing.

Mr Clements said he was "fully confident that, once the relevant facts have been reviewed, it will be clear there is no case to answer and the matter will be closed".

He said: "These allegations arose during the breakdown of my marriage. I recognise that this is a difficult time for all involved and do not wish to comment further on private matters."

Mr Clements said he was cooperating fully with the authorities.

He added: "I also recognise the importance of safeguarding procedures, and I fully support all the precautionary steps, including the arrest, taken while initial enquiries are carried out as I can see how they are required to protect the vulnerable in legitimate cases."

He requested for his and his family's privacy to be respected during the investigation.

Thames Valley Police said officers were sent to the home following a report made to the force.

"A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour," it said in a statement.