OXFORD City Council leader Bob Price has said it would have been a ‘disaster’ for the city if Andrew Smith had lost the Labour seat.

Speaking at Oxford Town Hall ahead of the election result for the Oxford East constituency, Mr Price said Lib Dem challenger Steve Goddard had not proved he could deliver for ordinary people.

Mr Price said: “It was very tight. Clearly, there had been a very significant student vote which probably went slightly against Labour, but from the boxes I saw there was a very good vote for Andrew across the city.

“I think it would have been a disaster for Oxford if Andrew lost, because he has been a magnificent MP for the city.”