Oxford local elections: ‘People want a city that is cleaner’

On Thursday, the city took to the polls, with half of the council’s seats up for grabs, one in each of its 24 wards.

There were four gains for the Green Party while Labour lost one seat in what was described as an “absolutely incredible night” by the former.

Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) did not gain any new seats, but does hold four on the council (no change).

Robin Tucker, co-chair, for the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel, said: “The gains made by the Green Party, and the IOA getting nothing, show that most people want a city that is cleaner, more walkable, safer for cycling, with less traffic.

“Not one with more cars, more pollution and more danger.”

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The Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel (CoHSAT) is a group of voluntary and campaigning organisations working across Oxfordshire to create attractive, accessible and people-friendly streets.

Oxford City Council has been left with no clear majority.

With Labour winning 10 seats, the Green Party winning nine, Liberal Democrats winning four, and Independents winning one.

The 2018, 2022, 2021, and 2018 all left Labour with an overall control.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Green Party have been contacted for further comment on the next steps as negotiations are likely to determine the future political makeup of the council.