District Council Elections
One third of district council seats will be up for election in May 2026, one in each ward.
We will be holding an online briefing for all prospective district council candidates and political agents, via Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday 25 February at 5pm. Please email the Democratic and Elections team to request the link for the briefing.
Further information on the role of district councillor is available from the Local Government Association (LGA) website.
The Electoral Commission have a range of support materials available for prospective 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
- They will also be running a webinar via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 4 March, 1pm to 2pm. The webinar will provide an overview of the key aspects of the guidance. It is an opportunity to gain essential information on the nominations processes, imprint requirements, spending and reporting requirements and candidate security. The session will contain practical hints and tips to support your understanding of your obligations and how to apply the law in practice. If you would like to attend this session, please complete the Electoral Commission's event registration form
The Cabinet Office have updated their collection of Candidate Security Guidance. All prospective 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) |