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Ruscote Ward county declaration to be challenged by Labour
10/05/2021
“It is widely accepted that an admin error was made in the declaration of the result”
Banbury and Bicester Labour Party say they will be issuing a formal challenge to the County Council declaration for the Banbury Ruscote ward. In a statement issued this morning they say: “It is widely accepted that an admin error was made in the declaration”.
The result, announced at Spiceball Leisure Centre yesterday morning, saw serving Labour County Councillor Mark Cherry lose his seat to the Conservative’s Jane Strangwood. It was stated that Mrs Strangwood received 1173 votes against Mr Cherry’s 795.
Later in the day when the District Council count for the Ruscote ward was announced Mr Cherry was the winner receiving 947 votes whilst Mrs Strangwood received 767 votes. Speculation began as to the difference between the two results.
On Sunday evening a spokesperson for the Returning Officer said ‘It has been brought to the attention of the Returning Officer that a possible administrative error has occurred. All relevant candidates and agents have been advised.
“It is now a matter for those candidates to decide what if any action they will take.”
This morning Banbury and Bicester Labour party have issued a statement saying: “With regards to the Banbury Ruscote County Council election; Labour will be launching a formal challenge to the declaration of the result.
“It is widely accepted that an admin error was made in the declaration of the result and all parties are keen to rectify this ASAP.”
Should the result as announced be overturned and Mr Cherry declared the winner, this would reduce the Conservatives slim lead at the County Council, bringing them to have an equal number of seats with the Liberal Democrats.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam