A Buckinghamshire vicar has refused to leave his role, despite losing a vote of no confidence.

Rev Christopher Haywood became vicar for St Leonard’s in the Diocese of Oxford in 2021.

In a secret ballot held by parishioners, there were 21 votes in favour of him stepping down, with none against, reports Bucks Free Press. 

Rev Haywood declined to comment. A spokesperson for the Diocese of Oxford confirmed the vote had taken place, but told BBC News: “This vote is not legally binding and the vicar, the Rev Chris Haywood, is not obliged to leave.”

Churchgoers claim discord began when Rev Haywood did not permit the funeral of a churchwarden to take place. Anne Butterworth had been a churchwarden for over 30 years.

An anonymous parishioner told Local Democracy Reporting Service that he believes Rev Haywood not allow the funeral to take place at the church, because Anne wanted a different Church of England minister to conduct her burial.

There were also claims that parish numbers had “plummeted” under Haywood’s leadership, allegedly now down to about five people a service, including the vicar, his wife and the organist. Other claims include that Rev Haywood he had not replied to families about baptisms, and had left some waiting months to discuss burials.

At the no-confidence meeting, attended by 40 people, parishioners acknowledged the vicar's "dedication" to his own "deeply spiritual journey".

"Nevertheless, it cannot be ignored that in the last three years, under his ministry the church has gone from being a central point in village life to being viewed as insular and detached.

"We have no confidence in his continued ministry in this parish."

The Diocese of Oxford said it is “working with all parties concerned to bring about the best resolution to this breakdown in relationships".