Oxford Independent candidates split General Election vote

The Labour party was announced as victorious at Oxford Town Hall with incumbent MP Anneliese Dodds securing 19,541 votes.

This was a slighter smaller majority than in 2019 but nevertheless saw the party glide comfortably into power once again.

READ MORE: General Election: Labour 'delighted' after Oxford East win

Independent MP candidate Amir Steve Ali and the Independent Oxford Alliance's (IOA) David Henwood were among those looking to win-over some votes from Ms Dodds in light of contentious traffic measures such as low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and traffic filters in the city. 

Amir Steve Ali. (Image: Ed Nix.)

This comes as Mr Ali previously said he was "heartbroken" his friend Mr Henwood had ran against him and that he was worried about a splitting of votes.

Speaking out at the count, Mr Ali said: "By splitting the votes we're not helping the public out.

"We know what it's going to be.

"Personally there was one candidate who I helped in the city election. He's my friend as well - I've known him many years.

"I was backing him up a lot.

"Now when it was my time to stand in a General Election, rather than supporting me, he went against me.

Labour celebrated its Oxford East win. (Image: Contribution.)

"It's not setting a good example in the public's eye because we've been divided.

"Division is there and the trust isn't there as well.

"And it's a risk if more candidates stand because the votes are going to be split."

Mr Henwood and IOA party chair Anne Gwinnett have previously responded to Mr Ali's criticism with the former stating he hoped "in time" that Mr Ali "would come to respect" his decision.

David Henwood. (Image: Ed Nix.)

Ms Gwinnett said: "I am saddened to learn that Amir feels we have not been open with him.

"I have specifically kept him appraised of our position with regard to standing an IOA candidate in Oxford East.”

Mr Henwood had said: "I am glad to hear Stevy (Mr Ali) is standing as an Independent and will continue to support him financially and with my friendship."

Sal Naqvi, who previously ran to be an IOA city councillor in the St Clement's ward, but very narrowly missed out, said he was still a part of the IOA but explained his presence at the count to support Mr Ali as simply "an Independent supporting other Independents".

Sal Naqvi. (Image: Other.)

Mr Henwood and Mr Ali received a higher number of votes than other Independents but this was still not enough to allow them to overtake any of the mainstream parties.

The IOA says it will be standing candidates at county council elections next year after it won four council seats in local elections in East Oxford wards and came close to winning others.

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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