LABOUR tightened their grip on Oxford City Council last night after a landslide victory in the Barton and Sandhills by-election.

Mike Rowley won the seat, previously held by the Liberal Democrats, with a majority of 503.

Labour now has 26 seats on the council, an overall majority of four.

The by-election was sparked by the resignation of Patrick Murray due to work commitments.

Results: Gavin BAYLIS (Liberal Democrat) - 334 Siddo DEVA (Conservative) - 86 Julia GASPER (UKIP) - 48 Mick MCANDREWS (Independent) - 42 Mike ROWLEY (Labour) - 837 Mary-Jane SAREVA (Green) - 119 Turn out - 27.5 per cent.