BATTLE lines have been drawn ahead of the fight at the ballot box for a place at County Hall.

On Thursday, all 63 seats in 61 Oxfordshire County Council divisions are up for election after boundary changes reduced the number of councillors serving on the authority by 11.

For current leader Ian Hudspeth, the outcome will be the first true test of his leadership and the council’s record under his stewardship since he took office a year ago.

Mr Hudspeth, whose own seat of Woodstock is far from safe, said: “These elections are important to me as it was only last year that I had the honour of becoming leader of the council.

“Despite some difficult challenges and tough decisions, I’ve enjoyed my year as leader and, subject to the wishes of the residents of Oxfordshire, I would like to continue.”

He said his party had protected services in the face of a 32 per cent cut in Government support for the council.

He said: “My vision for Oxfordshire is a county where all children have the opportunity to achieve their full potential – a county where we can have economic growth to provide the jobs for the children while at the same time protecting our superb environment.

“I want to lead a county that creates a cycle of aspiration to deliver a society that is safe, strong and sustainable.”

The Liberal Democrats, currently the official opposition at County Hall with 10 councillors, will be hoping to at least maintain their number of seats.

Group leader Zoe Patrick said: “Liberal Democrats work hard for their communities and will always listen and campaign for the issues that matter most to the people they serve. We wish to keep services local, enhance our environment, protect our elderly and support our young people.”

Labour will be eyeing up the opposition benches, with hopes of gains outside the city, currently its only stronghold.

Labour councillor and election agent John Tanner said: “This election is about fighting cuts and privatisation and running the county council differently and better.

“Labour wants more support for local schools, and better care for elderly people and families.”

The Greens, who have already suffered a loss ahead of polling day after Chip Sherwood defected to the Tories, are also mounting a big challenge, fielding candidates for almost every seat.

Group leader Larry Sanders said: “There have been £28m cuts in adult social care in the last three years and £28m are planned for the next four years.

“All the other parties have accepted the total limit on the budget, a 1.99 per cent increase in council tax that makes these cuts inevitable.

“The Green budget called for a council tax increase of £20.44 a year, 40p a week, which would enable us to do away with the cuts planned for the next four years.”

UKIP is also hoping to scoop some seats, and Oxford branch chairman Ian Macdonald said his party offered an alternative.

Several independents are standing in South Oxfordshire and Oxford, and the Henley Residents’ Group and Official Monster Raving Loony party will field a candidate each.