Andrew Smith MP has been re-selected as our candidate for Oxford East at the 2015 General Election. 

Andrew received the support of all the local Labour Party branches, the Co-operative Party and affiliated trade unions taking part in the selection.

Following his re-selection Andrew said: “I am honoured and pleased by the confidence local Labour members have shown in me. I would like to thank them and my constituents for their support. I look forward to leading a strong campaign for Labour in 2015.

“Oxford East is a wonderful, diverse and vibrant area, and it is an honour to represent all of the residents here. I will continue fighting for the living standards and quality of life of local people and opposing the Conservative-Lib Dem cuts to local services that are having such a detrimental effect on so many local people. Together we can work for the best life and future for people here in Oxford and for the election of a Labour government which will build a better Britain, with fairness and opportunity for all.”

Andrew has lived in Oxford East all his adult life and for the last 34 years in Blackbird Leys. He has represented Oxford East as the Labour MP for the past 26 years. At the last General Election in 2010 he bucked the national trend, gaining a 4.1% swing to Labour. Committed to keeping closely in touch with his constituents, he has since the last election been out on doorstep sessions 240 times and has sent out over 20,000 emails and letters a year responding to constituents’ concerns. He has campaigned on numerous issues that matter to local people, including housing, social care, and improving workplace rights.

Andrew has also made a strong impact in Government, and served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 1999 to 2002 and then as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from 2002 to 2004. He is particularly noted for his focus on combating child poverty, introducing Pension Credit and the Pension Protection Fund, advancing disabled people’s rights, and bringing in Labour’s New Deal to help young and long term unemployed people into jobs.

Oxford Labour Co-Chair Richard Stevens said: “Andrew Smith is a model constituency MP and a formidable campaigner, who cares deeply about the people of Oxford East and works tirelessly to represent them — everyone knows somebody who has been helped by Andrew.”