Rising tension among Independent General Election candidates in Oxford has prompted allegations of "heartbreak" and "backstabbing" amid fears campaigners will split the vote.
Amir Steve Ali is campaigning to be the next MP for the Oxford East constituency as an Independent but says he feels "heartbroken" after his friend "went behind my back" and decided to run against him.
He is referring to David Henwood also running as an Independent, while Jabu Nala-Hartley, a former Oxford city councillor has also put her hat in the ring as an Oxford Community Socialist Independents candidate.
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Mr Henwood is a councillor for the Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) in Rose Hill & Iffley but the party has confirmed it will not be standing any candidates for the General Election on July 4.
Other candidates for the Oxford East seat, which has been held by Labour MP Anneliese Dodds since 2017, include Zaid Marham from the Worker's Party of Britain and Lawrence Haar for Reform UK.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Mr Ali said: "I helped David Henwood during his campaign and he's my friend.
"We have a similar agenda, but after all I did for him he went behind my back and decided to go against me and stand in the General Election when I announced it months ago.
"It's nothing personal but I think David Henwood is not the right person to represent the public because if he can backstab me and I am his friend how can he be trusted?
"I'm heartbroken."
Mr Ali, who said he had previously decided not to stand in the St Clement's ward due to an IOA candidate standing, suggested Mr Henwood had told him he would not be standing before the opposite emerged.
We spoke to Mr Henwood to hear his say and whether he thought there was a risk of splitting the vote which would reduce the chances of toppling Labour.
The candidate said: "Originally I made a decision not to stand and to focus on county council elections next year but on reflection the issues I campaigned on are the same issues that affect the rest of Oxford.
"I would actually encourage as many Independents to come forward and have a voice.
"It's right we hold the current leadership to account.
"Splitting the vote is splitting the vote but having a voice is far more important.
"I'm just devastated. I love him (Mr Ali) to bits and I am upset that he's upset.
"Our friendship is stronger than this. He will always remain a friend."
Meanwhile Oxford East candidate Ms Nala-Hartley has said the Independent Socialists are "very different from David Henwood's independent".
Ms Nala-Hartley added: "Splitting of the vote is an issue.
"We do need to get together."
Ms Nala-Hartley said "fighting for trans rights is something that is important" as is the issue of Palestine.
A full list of candidates for Oxford East are Green, Sushila Dhall; Labour, Anneliese Dodds; Liberal Democrats, Theo Jupp; Reform UK, Lawrence Haar; SDP, Benjamin Adams; Independent, Amir Steve Ali; Independent, David Henwood; Zaid Marham, Workers Party of Britain.
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About the author
Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county.
She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.
Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi
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