By-elections in Blackbird Leys and Northfield Brook wards are to be held on 27th November, one for the County Council for the whole Leys, and one City Council in each ward.

Steve Curran is your Labour candidate for the County Council. He is Oxford born and bred. He attained a teaching qualification in 1979 and for 32 years worked as a youth worker for Oxfordshire County Council. He spent several years running Blackbird Leys Youth Centre. After being made redundant in 2011 Steve has dedicated his time to working on the Leys and for the past two and a half years has been City Councillor for Northfield Brook.

Linda Smith is your Labour candidate for Blackbird Leys on the City Council. She is a mum of two who grew up on an Oxford council estate. She has worked in politics at Westminster and at a European level and has already served 12 years as a local councillor. She has the experience needed to speak up for local residents and fight for the best deal for Blackbird Leys. Her priorities for the local area include housing improvements and activities for children & young people.

Sian Taylor is your Labour candidate for Northfield Brook on the City Council. She has worked as a nurse in the NHS for over 30 years and is a Unite workplace rep. She is committed to fairness and equality, and will work hard if elected to stay in touch with local people, helping with problems and making sure their views are represented.

The deadline to register to vote in the by-elections is 5pm Tuesday 11th November, and the deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm Wednesday 12th November. Polls will be open 7am to 10pm on Thursday 27th November.