LACKBIRD Leys voters will decide who they want representing them in their councils in three by-elections today.

After Val Smith resigned in September to continue treatment for cancer, three wards opened up in the Blackbird Leys area.

Mrs Smith’s resignation sparked seats in Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council for Blackbird Leys and the Leys.

Oxford Mail:

  • Sam Burgess

Married to Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, she was a city councillor for 24 years and a county councillor since 2005.

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Just days later Northfield Brook city councillor Labour’s Steve Curran stepped down to stand in the county council by-election. New Labour rules mean that councillors can no longer sit on both councils, so Mr Curran could not run and retain his old seat.

Oxford Mail:

  • Lizzie McHale

There are a total of 13 candidates running for the three posts, with some running for both city and county councils.

Oxford Mail:

  • Ann Duncan

If a candidate won seats on both they would have to decide which to relinquish.

Oxford Mail:

  • Dave Slater

Traditionally a Labour stronghold, there are also candidates from the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green parties, as well as UKIP and the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition. When Mrs Smith ran for her county council seat in May last year she won with 82 per cent of the votes.

Oxford Mail:

  • James Morbin

Meanwhile, in this May’s city council election Labour councillor Rae Humberstone retained his Blackbird Leys seat with 67 per cent of the votes, and Labour’s Scott Seamons held his Northfield Brook seat with 72 per cent.

Oxford Mail:

  • Berk Bektas

Both wards had a low turnout of about 22 per cent of the population.

Oxford Mail:

  • Sian Taylor

You can cast your votes today from 7am to 10pm at the following polling stations in the area: Blackbird Leys Community Centre, Blackbird Leys Road; Sacred Heart Church, Sawpit Road; Pegasus Primary School, Field Avenue and The Barn in Nightingale Avenue.

Oxford Mail:

  • Lesley Mallinder

The 13 candidates

Blackbird Leys ward –City Council

Berk Bektas, Conservative
“I will bring the council under greater scrutiny and ensure my presence on the council results in a better deal for Blackbird Leys.”

Stella Collier, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
“We need councillors committed to providing affordable council housing for all and making Oxford a living wage city.”

Lesley Mallinder, Liberal Democrat

“As councillor, I will fight for more social and affordable housing in the Oxford area, something successive Labour councillors have failed to take seriously.”

Lizzie McHale, Green Party

“The Green Party are the only party to offer any kind of viable alternative to the decimation of our public services and destruction of our communities.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Stella Collier

Dave Slater, UKIP

“Developments like Grenoble Road are misconceived and need to be reviewed, with more input from the residents whom it will affect.”

Linda Smith, Labour

“I want to continue the good work; supporting local public services, refurbishing housing, improving the car parking situation and staying in touch all year round.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Michael Tait

Northfield Brook ward – City Council

Gary Dixon, Conservative

“A former city councillor for the old Temple Cowley ward, I have supported a number of community initiatives and groups.”

James Morbin, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

“We need councillors who will refuse to implement cuts and set a budget to meet the needs of the city.”

Michael Tait, Liberal Democrat Would not comment

Ann Duncan, Green Party

“Our priorities are to provide more social and affordable housing, to get a minimum living wage of £8.80/hour for all employees and to fight cuts in public services.”

Sian Taylor, Labour 

“If elected, I will work hard with current Labour councillors to make sure that local people continue to have their views heard.”

Leys division– County Council

Sam Burgess, Conservative

“I know that the cost of living is not cheap and that's why I will back Oxford Conservatives who are lobbying to freeze council tax.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Gary Dixon

 James Morbin, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Lesley Mallinder, Liberal Democrat

Ann Duncan, Green Party

Dave Slater, UKIP

Steve Curran, Labour

“I will fight long and hard to improve services in the Division and to promote a better future for all on The Leys.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Val Smith

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