District Council Elections
One third of district council seats will be up for election in May 2026, one in each ward. All district wards will have contested elections, as each ward has more candidates that seats available.
Following the resignation of two District Councillors, two by-elections will be taking place. The by-elections will be combined with the scheduled elections, meaning that two seats will be elected to in the Banbury Calthorpe & Easington, and Bicester West wards.
Further information on the role of district councillor is available from the Local Government Association (LGA) website.
The Electoral Commission also have a range of support materials available for candidates and agents, that include:
- Detailed guidance for candidates and agents at district elections
- Advice and guidance regarding the rules on imprints on election material
- A YouTube video that highlights key points when completing a nomination paper
The Cabinet Office have updated their collection of Candidate Security Guidance. All candidates are encouraged to read through the information.
The Councillors up for election are as follows:
| Ward | Councillor and Political Party/Group |
|---|---|
| Adderbury, Bloxham & Bodicote | David Hingley (Liberal Democrat) |
| Banbury Calthorpe & Easington | Ian Harwood (Conservative) |
| Banbury Cross & Neithrop | Dr Chukwudi Okeke (Conservative) |
| Banbury Grimsbury & Hightown | Rebecca Biegel (Labour) |
| Banbury Hardwick | Andrew Crichton (Labour) |
| Banbury Ruscote | Amanda Watkins (Labour) |
| Bicester East | Donna Ford (Independent; Cherwell Conservative & Independent Alliance) |
| Bicester North & Caversfield | Nick Mawer (Conservative) |
| Bicester South & Ambrosden | Chris Pruden (Liberal Democrat) |
| Bicester West | John Broad (Independent; Green & Independent Alliance) |
| Cropredy, Sibfords & Wroxton | Phil Chapman (Conservative) |
| Deddington | Eddie Reeves (Conservative) |
| Fringford & Heyfords | Barry Wood (Conservative) |
| Kidlington East | Fiona Mawson (Green; Green & Independent Alliance) |
| Kidlington West | Jean Conway (Liberal Democrat) |
| Launton & Otmoor | Gemma Coton (Liberal Democrat) |