Journalist John Lister is taking on Oxford East Labour MP Andrew Smith in the forthcoming General Election.

Oxford University graduate Mr Lister, 51, plans to fight the seat for the far-left group, the Socialist Alliance.

Married with one son, he lives in Blackbird Leys and has lived in Oxford all his adult life.

He is the information director for the pro-NHS pressure group, London Health Emergency, where he has worked for the past 17 years.

His 30-year involvement in local left-wing politics will provide him with plenty of experience for his election bid to win the safe Labour seat. A General Election is expected in May.

Mr Lister said: "Andrew Smith had a healthy majority at the last election and it would be a very tall order to overturn that. However, I will be fighting for every vote.

"As Chief Secretary to the Treasury, he is responsible for pushing through a number of private finance initiatives that Labour were previously opposed to.

"This includes a plan to switch the Radcliffe Infirmary to the John Radcliffe site.

Mr Lister said the Oxford East constituency was being targeted by the Socialist Alliance because of Mr Smith's position in New Labour's Cabinet.