PROMINENT Labour activist Owen Jones joined campaigners in Summertown yesterday ahead of the local elections.

The left-wing journalist and author, who studied at Oxford's University College, was door knocking for Labour candidate Rabyah Khan in the north Oxford ward.

The group of around 50 activists heard speeches from Jones and Khan near Cutteslowe Community Association late yesterday afternoon, before campaigning for a couple of hours.

Mr Jones, an Oxford University graduate, said: “I love this city, Oxford has a great radical, socialist tradition that I'm very proud of.

"But the more Labour councillors you get, the stronger the message."

Liberal Democrat Andrew Gant won the ward in 2016 with 902 votes, to Labour’s 546.

Two councillors represent each ward in Labour controlled Oxford City Council, with half up for election on Thursday May 3.

Ms Khan, Lib Dem Michael Leonard Gotch, Conservative David Roger Nimmo Smith and Green Larry Sanders - American presidential candidate Bernie’s brother - are standing in Summertown.

The Lib Dems have held the ward since 2002.

Guardian columnist Jones added: "I'm always very keen to support excellent candidates from under represented backgrounds.

"We particularly need to get women of colour into elected politics."