THE deputy leader of the city council, Linda Smith, will stand as a candidate in next year's local elections after all.

Ms Smith, who represents Blackbird Leys for Labour, said at the weekend that she had been deselected by members in that ward after a plan by left-wing Momentum activists.

Momentum denied any involvement.

Ms Smith announced she will stand in May for Labour – but in the Lye Valley ward.

Other candidates confirmed for those elections also include the council's leader, Susan Brown, and cabinet member Mike Rowley.

All of the city council's 48 seats will be elected next year.