22nd September 2006 

Labour held their seat in Lye Valley Ward in a by-election last night to again become the largest Group on Oxford City Council. The Liberal Democratics became the largest Group following the local elections in May earlier this year but have since suffered a series of losses (one defection to Labour and one member becoming an independent) whilst Labour have held on to their seats in the two by-elections since May.

Says Green Group Leader Craig Simmons, "The LibDems have been seriously weakened since May and it looks like they will be unable to keep control of the City Council. Meanwhile, Labour seem to have convinced people that they are somehow distinct from the party that took us into an illegal and immoral war, are privatising our healthcare system, destroying higher education, pensions and our civil liberties, erodiing public services and undermining the provision of affordable homes. Those of us who see local Labour Councillors campaigning hand-in-hand with New Labour MP Andrew Smith (who voted for all these measures) know that this deception cannot last."