See also: our candidates in Headington and Headington Hill & Northway wards

This May 6th Oxford will elect its county and city councillors, as well as the Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner.

Roz Smith is an experienced councillor, both at city and county levels, who is running again this year. Andrew Steele is a local volunteer who is running to join Roz on the City Council.

If re-elected, we will work to green Headington and Risinghurst, invest in walking, cycling and buses, provide a local voice on planning, closely involve all residents in transport decisions including LTNs (low-traffic neighbourhoods), and tackle Oxford’s spiralling housing costs.

The only other realistic choice here is Labour (the Conservatives only got 10% of the Quarry & Risinghurst ward vote last time (2018), and the Greens only got 7%). We think voting Labour would be a poor choice, because they have failed to carefully listen and consult, particularly on LTNs, they have undermined our Park & Ride sites by permitting the Westgate to provide cheap central parking leading to frequent gridlock, and they have failed to deliver a safe crossing for the A40 between Risinghurst and Barton, which residents on both sides badly need.

Brief biographies of our candidates:

Roz Smith (candidate for Headington & Quarry county division and Quarry & Risinghurst city ward) was born in Oxfordshire and has lived here for most of her life. She was first elected as a councillor in 2005. She is active as a trustee for several local charities and as a school governor. She campaigns on local green issues and wants to use her extensive council experience for the benefit of Quarry and Risinghurst residents.

Andrew Steele (candidate for Quarry & Risinghurst ward) has lived in Oxford since 1997. He takes a particular interest in addressing Oxford’s longstanding affordable housing issue, and believes it is important to listen to residents first, then to champion the key issues for the community. Outside of politics he supports the Oxford Preservation Trust and the Pitt Rivers Museum.