Elections to Oxford City Council will be held on Thursday 2 May 2024. Oxford residents will have the opportunity to elect Councillors for each of the 24 wards on the City Council.
To find out more about Labour’s City Council Candidates, please scroll down below.
If you don’t know which City Council ward you are in, you can find out here.
Don’t forget to bring photo ID if you’ll be voting in-person. New rules now apply and the Electoral Commission provides information on forms of ID that are accepted.
You have until Tuesday 16 April 2024 to register to vote. All electors who are registered and eligible to vote should have received a poll card in late March 2024. If you’ve recently moved or turned 18, you may not be registered. You can do this online.
Have you considered voting by post? At every election, lots of busy people lose their opportunity to vote because something crops up preventing them getting to the polling station. Voting by post is an easy and convenient way to make sure your vote counts.
A postal vote means you’ll receive voting papers through the post around two weeks ahead of polling day, vote in the comfort of your home and in your own time, then return your completed ballot in the Freepost envelope provided. It’s easy to apply – just click on this link. You’ll need to apply by 5pm on Thursday 17 April 2024 to get a postal vote at the 2 May 2024 elections.
Barton & Sandhills
Asima Qayyum
asimaqayyum.aq@gmail.com
Asima Qayyum has lived most of her life in East Oxford, and looks forward to being a representative for the communities she is a part of. She has worked with local communities throughout Oxford, including young people, to ensure that their voices are heard when decisions are being made.
She is deeply passionate about supporting people to live better, more dignified lives. Increasing access to good public services, tackling poverty, and cutting inequalities in health, education, and housing are her aims.
“It’s vital that our community is properly represented on the City Council – that is my priority,” says Asima.
Blackbird Leys
There are two City Council vacancies in Blackbird Leys at this May’s election. Please use all your votes for Labour.
Lubna Arshad
lubna.labour@gmail.com
Lubna Arshad (right) is a British-born citizen of Oxford. She is the city’s youngest Lord Mayor and the first woman of colour to hold the role.
She has been a Local Councillor for over 6 years, and she has strong connections with all of Oxford’s communities.
Lubna campaigns for gender equity and religious freedom. She wants more women and people of colour to be councillors, and she backs elderly and young people volunteering together.
She has used local budgets to support Oxford Community Action and the Syrcox Food Larder. She tackles housing issues and homelessness, works with housing associations and supports the Agnes Smith Advice Centre.
Linda Smith
lindasmithoxford@gmail.com
Linda Smith was born and raised in Oxford, and she has been a Local Councillor for over 20 years.
Linda last represented Blackbird Leys between 2014 and 2021. She supported local organisations like the Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground, Longlands Care Home, Blackbirds FC, Agnes Smith Advice Centre, and Blackbird LeysAmateur Boxing Club. Linda is also a trustee of RAW Workshop.
She campaigned against the closure of the Cuddesdon Corner Children’s Centre and for keeping a pharmacy at the top-shops. She delivered new parking areas and play equipment for the parks. As the City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Linda is working to build more affordable housing for local families.
Carfax & Jericho
Lizzy Diggins
elizabethawdiggins@gmail.com
Over the past three years, Lizzy has worked hard to listen to and represent your views, regularly calling on doors in our community and standing up for local concerns.
As Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Panel, she is working to address the housing crisis, and she has repeatedly raised the need to take action on the short-term let crisis in our area with the City Council.
Lizzy has championed our Covered Market, supported initiatives to tackle the climate crisis, and stood up for the community’s views on the Boatyard development.
Churchill
Mark Lygo
marklygo@gmail.com
Mark Lygo was born and raised in Oxford, and he has been your local City Councillor for 16 years.
During Mark’s time as LordMayor, he launched a social media campaign under the hashtag #MoveWithMayorMark to encourage people across Oxford to get active. He also supported the charities Mind, Ark-T, and Wood Farm Youth Centre.
Mark has also held several roles at the City Council, serving as Sports Champion and the Cabinet Member for Sports, Parks, and Events for five years. Presently, he is the Cabinet Member for Inclusive and SaferCommunities.
A keen supporter of Oxford United, Mark is the Chairman of Quarry Rovers FC and a local football referee.
Cowley
Mark Hull
mark.oxcowley@gmail.com
Mark has lived and worked in Oxford for 34 years. He has knocked on hundreds of doors to ask for residents’ views on local issues. These include what we want from a redeveloped Templars Square, parking permits, and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
Mark co-founded the OxfordRivers Improvement Campaign. He helped expose poor sewage treatment in 55 places upstream from Kennington.
“I showed that the sewage flowing into our local rivers was a result of private investors stripping cash out of Thames Water,” Mark says. “Now I want to bring my record of campaigning to improve Cowley.”
Cutteslowe & Sunnymead
Charlotte Vinnicombe
charlotte.vinnicombe@me.com
Charlotte has lived in Oxford for nearly 30 years, and has been serving the community as a hardworking volunteer and activist throughout that time. She has been involved in nature conservation, community work, and local government through her role as a Parish Councillor in Old Marston.
“I want to be a strong voice for Cutteslowe and Sunnymeadon the City Council,” says Charlotte. “Being an effective Councillor who will campaign for, and speak up about, the issues that matter to residents the most is so important. I will talk to you about your priorities, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions about the work of the City Council.”
Charlotte will work hard for Cutteslowe and Sunnymead, getting out into the community to keep in touch with residents across the ward all year round.
Donnington
Toby James
tobyjames98@hotmail.co.uk
Toby lives on Fairacres Road, and works in green energy research just outside the city. He believes in local government that empowers us. “We need to run the city not in the interests of shareholders – but for the residents: us,” says Toby.
Toby is a commited trade unionist, and the President of the Oxford and District Trades UnionCouncil; “My membership of the Labour Party is an extension of these beliefs. Our community is fractured, and we need to build bridges. I want to be a Councillor who represents everyone, bringing people together to tackle the issues we all face.”
Headington
Sumukh Kaul
SKaulOxford@gmail.com
Sumukh has lived in Headington for 20 years. He is a local charity volunteer and a former charity worker – he has listened to and helped people throughout his working life. He is a small business owner and business consultant, and he has worked with governments all over the world to make life easier for entrepreneurs.
Thriving small businesses have always been the engine behind Headington, and Sumukh wants to get them back at the heart of our community.
Sumukh says, “Let’s make Headington sparkle again. No more empty shopfronts, no more broken roads and uncut grass verges. We need buses that come more than once an hour and streets that are safe at night. Only Labour will build houses where they are needed – right here in Headington.”
“I live here, I work here, I commute here. I have the same frustrations you do.”
Headington Hill & Northway
Nigel Chapman
nigelchapman@ymail.com
Nigel has been your City Councillor for 8 years, and he has shown he is committed to making this ward a decent and pleasant place to live.
As a Community Champion, he also tries to ensure that the Council looks after our local green spaces and keeps our streets clean.
An active school governor at New Marston Primary School since 2017, he has allocated his ward fund to schools, parks groups, and other local bodies. These include the Northway Community Association, where he holds regular community public meetings, Northway Together, and the Parasol Project.
He is not afraid to stand up to plans to over-develop our Conservation Areas, such as the inappropriate expansion of educational institutions and student accommodation.
Hinksey Park
Anna Railton
anna.railton@gmail.com
“It has been a great privilege to be one of your City Councillors for the past 18 months. I would love to represent you for another term,” Anna says. “I will be a strong Labour voice for our area as we tackle the cost of living, climate change, and the housing crisis.”
“We keep in touch all year round and I will continue to get stuck in and get things done for residents in South Oxford.”
As the Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice, Anna is passionate about climate action and delivering Oxford Labour’s mission to improve air quality in the city.
Holywell
Colin Cook
colin.cook@hertford.oxon.org
Colin was born in and grew up in the Wirral before coming to Oxford in 1982 to study Biochemistry at Hertford College. He went on to study Physiology at the Queen’s College. Colin currently works in this ward as Chief Technician in the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in the Science Area.
As a student, Colin was a volunteer and trainer for Nightline. He is currently a Trustee of KEEN, which creates, supports, and promotes inclusion for disabled people in their community and across society as a whole. Colin is in contact with students on a daily basis, and he is aware of the issues that are important to them.
As a long-term resident of the city for over forty years, and as someone who has previously served as a City Councillor for over twenty years, Colin is an experienced advocate for local residents.
Littlemore
Sandy Douglas
sandy4littlemore@gmail.com
Sandy has been talking to the other City Councillor for Littlemore, Tiago Corais, about why he’s standing and his aims for the area.
Tiago: “How have you found your first year as a Councillor?”
Sandy: “Sometimes satisfying, sometimes frustrating. I’ve really
enjoyed supporting community groups and beginning to work
with local GPs on how to make it easier for Littlemore residents to access the NHS. And it’s satisfying being able to speak up for people and help tackle problems like inadequate housing.”
“Negotiating with the County Council about traffic reduction plans has been frustrating. City Councillors like us don’t get a vote on it, but I’ve worked closely with County Councillor Trish Elphinstone to argue for re-opening of Littlemore Road. Sometimes it feels like we’re banging our heads against a brick wall, but we’ll keep trying.”
Tiago: “What have you achieved so far?”
Sandy: “With you and Trish, I’ve secured investment by the City & County councils in CCTV at Cowley Road shops & lighting under the bypass bridge, a new pedestrian crossing on Sandy Lane Westat St John Fisher School, and increases in the frequency of the buses.”
“One of the main things I’ve tried to do over the past year has been to make sure that, when there are conversations about new services, Littlemore’s needs are heard loud and clear. I think the planned bus improvements are an example which show that that message is beginning to get through.”
Tiago: “What are the key things you bring to the job?”
Sandy: “I’m good at getting things done. I work hard. I care deeply about fairness. And I have enjoyed listening to and speaking up for residents to help with problems like inadequate housing.”
“I’m a former NHS doctor, and my day job is to lead a university research team running clinical trials in the UK and Africa, trying top revent infectious diseases. That gives me plenty of experience – especially negotiating skills!”
Lye Valley
Inka Oshodi
ioshodi04@gmail.com
Inka has lived in Oxford for 28 years, and has studied at the Oxford College of Further Education and Oxford Brookes University. He wants to build on Oxford Labour’s strong record of delivering for Lye Valley.
“My priority is to support and serve local residents to the best of my ability,” says Inka. “The Labour-run City Council has invested £1.5 million in the new Bullingdon Community Centre. I will work with the community association to make sure it offers something for all ages. Hollow Way Recreation Ground and the Normandy Crescent Play Area have also benefitted from investment – I will support the work of the Friends of Lye Valley and the City Council to improve our parks and green spaces.”
“From the hundreds of doorstep conversations I’ve already had, I know that Lye Valley is a great place to live. However, it’s vital that the voices of local residents are heard in relation to the transport policies being rolled out by the Lib Dem/Green-led County Council. I will also fight for funding to repair potholes, cut the grass, and keep our streets clean. If elected on 2 May, I will champion Lye Valley and stand up for the interests of local residents at all times,” says Inka.
Marston
Mary Clarkson
mary.clarkson@icloud.com
“I have loved being a Marston Councillor for over twenty years and I am grateful to the Marston community for their support. In these years, I have got to know the area and people well,” Mary says.
Mary has helped to run a weekly group for elderly people, taken part in local GoodGym environmental projects, and campaigned for more pedestrian crossings and cycle safety. She regularly attends local community groups such as New Marston Residents’ Association and Old Marston Parish Council. She has been Planning Committee Chair and she is a former Cabinet Member or the Environment, Leisure, and Culture.
Her children all attended local schools, and she is a governor at St Joseph’s and Barton Park schools.
Northfield Brook
Simon Ottino
simonottino02@gmail.com
Simon has lived in Oxford for almost 40 years. He was a teacher at a primary school in Cowley for 25 years, and he is currently employed as a support worker, helping vulnerable people with long histories of homelessness to maintain their tenancies.
Simon and the Leys Labour team have knocked on almost every door across Northfield Brook ward in the last 10 months, speaking to over a thousand residents.
Simon commits to being in regular contact with residents all year round – not just at election time.
Osney & St Thomas
Susanna Pressel
susanna.pressel99@gmail.com
Susanna has represented Osney & St Thomas since 1996, including a year as Lord Mayor. Before that she was a student at Somerville College, and taught at the University of Zambia, before becoming Head of Languages at Peers School in Blackbird Leys, now the Oxford Academy.
Susanna says, “Being a councillor is definitely one of the best things I have ever done. Helping individuals and using their experience to make the public sector work better for all of us is incredibly rewarding.”
Her two daughters went to local state schools. Susanna says, “I’m keen to support schools across Oxford, so I’m happy to be a governor of two local schools.”
“I do all I can to support West Oxford Community Association and all the residents’ associations, including the new city centre one. I also try to support both allotment associations and many other community groups, including Low Carbon West Oxford and the food larders.”
Quarry & Risinghurst
James Taylor
jameswj.taylor1@gmail.com
As an experienced community activist, James brings a wealth of campaigning experience to the table. He has previously campaigned in support of remaining in the European Union, fighting climate change nationally, and tackling crime in Oxford.
“I’m running for the City Council because I’m hoping to use its power to address the wider issues facing Oxford and our local community,” he says.
Locally, James has campaigned to improve our neighbourhoods by tackling litter and fly-tipping, as well as improving our public transport links into the city.
Rose Hill & Iffley
Michele Paule
mvapaule@gmail.com
Michele has been a part of this community for a long time, not just as a Councillor, but as a Rose Hill Primary School Governor, a Trustee of the Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, and a contributor to the Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon Hub. She has ties with the ward going back generations as her family lived and worked here, and she also taught at the former Peers school.
She first stood here in 2013, supported by wise advice from the wonderful Cllr Bill Buckingham.
Michele says, “We have done some great things in Rose Hill & Iffley. While I was last a Labour City Councillor we took the new Community Centre from plans, to building, to being a thriving hub of activity. I want to continue doing the big things like building, but also to work alongside community groups and fellow Councillors every day. That’s what makes this ward special.”
Since Michele was last a City Councillor, she has gained experience in the problems faced by our more senior residents, from helping with the bureaucracy of getting a Blue Badge to getting help for those coping with loneliness and bereavement.
“I am ready to do it all over again!” Michele says.
St Clement’s
Jesse Erlam
erlamj@gmail.com
Jesse works locally at Oxford Brookes University as an academic
administrator, having previously worked for Anneliese Dodds during her tenure as an MEP.
A disabled local activist, Jesse has lived and worked in East Oxford for over 10 years. He is passionate about the area and its diversity, safe streets, and green spaces. He is committed to ensuring that every resident of St Clement’s has a voice.
“Residents across St Clement’s are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis,” says Jesse. “Protecting and enhancing local services, supporting residents in need, tackling the climate crisis, and being a strong champion for the people of St Clement’s will be my priorities from day one.”
St Mary’s
Matthew Leigh
matthewleigh13@gmail.com
St Mary’s ward has been Matthew’s home for 27 years.
“I walk the streets every day and it is a place that I love,” Matthew says. “Generation after generation of newcomers have settled here and established businesses. I was
horrified last February to see out-of-town football hooligans and fascists marching down the Cowley Road and took my own stand against them. They have no place in our community.”
Matthew is proud to be a governor of East Oxford Primary School, which offers a fantastic education to children with 41 different mother tongues.
“Through my work there, I have seen real hardship and a private housing sector where some landlords take cruel advantage of their tenants,” Matthew says. “I want to be a champion for the most deprived in our city. And I want to build on our Labour-run City Council’s excellent work delivering publicly-owned houses to rent while requiring every private rental property in the city to be licensed.”
Summertown
Paul Shuter
pdshuter@yahoo.co.uk
A former history teacher, publisher, and member of the Education Team at Shakespeare’s Globe, Paul is currently the treasurer of the North Oxford Youth Theatre and a trustee of the Primary Science Teaching Trust.
“I’ve lived locally for over 30 years and understand the issues we all face,” Paul says. “I will listen hard and work hard to make headway on the things we all care about in Summertown.”
Temple Cowley
Charlie Hicks
charliehicksoxford@gmail.com
Charlie has a strong track record of delivering for our local area as an Oxfordshire County Councillor. He wants to bring this experience with him to Oxford City Council.
Whether it’s delivering road repairs and new paths and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, or removing abandoned caravans and fly-tipping across Temple Cowley, Charlie is committed to making a real difference in our community.
“I have supported Flo’s Cafe – The Place in the Park by funding new solar panels and securing rent holidays for multiple years,” Charlie says. “And I have helped to fund Oxford Mutual Aid to help support the most vulnerable families across Oxford.”
Charlie has also used £1,500 of his councillor budget to help the homelessness charity Emmaus upgrade their garden into a calm, therapeutic space for their residents. “They do brilliant work right in the heart of Temple Cowley to help people back on their feet,” he says.
“I’m standing to give our area a stronger voice and to fight for you.”
Walton Manor
James Fry
jamesfrylmc@gmail.com
James has been your local City Councillor for 12 years, and he has lived in North Oxford for decades. His children and now some grandchildren have attended local schools, and he chairs several community groups, including the St Margaret’s Area Society. James is also one of the directors of this September’s Oxford Canal Festival.
“When I was first elected, I promised to do something to rejuvenate North Parade,” James says. “So I secured support for the pedestrianisation of the street, becoming the manager of our very successful twice monthly market. I am proud of what has been achieved there and on Walton Street, which is home to plenty of thriving businesses. I hope this success will continue once the major development by the Radcliffe Observatory is complete.”
During his time as a City Councillor, James has served a year as Lord Mayor. And he has chaired key Finance and Budget Panels as well as the Audit and Governance Committee during the very difficult past few years of central government austerity.
Wolvercote
Andrew Siantonas
asiantonas50@gmail.com
Andrew Siantonas is a retired maths teacher who has lived in Wolvercote for many years. Before moving to Oxford, Andrew was a councillor in both Leeds and Exeter, and he is keen to use his experience to serve the people of Wolvercote. He was Labour’s candidate here in the last elections, coming second with a big swing to Labour.
Andrew volunteers to help maintain Wolvercote Lakes and is active with the Wolvercote Neighbourhood Forum. He enjoys bird watching on Port Meadow, cycling, and playing Greek folk songs on the piano.
“It is time for a fresh start across the Wolvercote ward,” says Andrew. “The Lib Dems have taken their vote for granted in Wolvercote. It’s time for change, it’s time for Labour.”
Click here to find out more about Oxford Labour’s plans for our city.
