Councillor Rae Humberstone, a councillor for Blackbird Leys for nearly 19 years, announced today (Tuesday 19 March), that he would be standing down from Friday, 22nd March so that the vacancy could be filled at the same time as the local elections on May 2nd.
Councillor Humberstone is elected until 2026 but has decided to stand down earlier in advance of his 75th birthday later in the year.
Councillor Rae Humberstone said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve my local community in Blackbird Leys. I moved here when the Greater Leys estate was built, and my wife Bev and I have spent may happy years here. I have been so proud to be a Labour councillor for Blackbird Leys.
“I do feel that as I approach my 75th birthday it is time to stand aside for a younger person to take on the role.
“During my time on the council, I have had the great pleasure of serving alongside the late Val Smith, Barbara Gatehouse and Carole Roberts, who were all fellow councillors.
“It was also a matter of great personal pride and enjoyment to be able to serve the City as Sheriff, Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor. I shall miss my comrades on the City Council but look forward to working with and for new Labour councillors for Blackbird Leys.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said: “Rae has been a councillor since May 2005 and has always been a great advocate for the people of Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys. Rae has served them and the City of Oxford for many years and has taken up the highest offices we have as councillors, as Sheriff, Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor.
“He was always a very fair Lord Mayor, using his famous sense of humour to diffuse any difficulties and to bring people together. We are all going to miss Rae but I’m confident that we will continue to see him and Bev at community events across our city.”