Oxford West and Abingdon candidates answer some questions

Liberal Democrat candidate Layla Moran holds the Oxford West and Abingdon constituency which she won from the Conservatives in 2015.

The constituency includes the town of Abingdon, the western and northern parts of the city of Oxford, and some of the colleges of Oxford University.

We contacted all the candidates and asked them the same set of questions.

(Image: Layla Moran) Layla Moran

1: What is the biggest issue facing the nation right now?

Everywhere I go across Oxford West & Abingdon, I see people from all backgrounds working hard, raising families, helping others and playing by the rules. But they have been let down and taken for granted for far too long by this out-of-touch Conservative Government. Families and pensioners are struggling with sky-high energy bills, food prices and housing costs – and the Conservatives have only added to the pain, because they just don’t care.

The Conservatives have plunged the NHS into crisis, making people wait weeks to see a GP or months for urgent cancer treatment. They are letting water companies get away with pumping filthy sewage into our rivers and lakes and onto our beaches. It’s time for a change.

2: Why did you get involved in politics in the first place?

My route into politics was through teaching. I believe the biggest investment we can make in our country is to empower and give opportunity to young people so that every child, no matter their backgrounds, gets the best possible start in life and the opportunity to flourish. I became frustrated that successive governments, both Conservative and Labour, I didn’t feel had done enough to make that a reality. I joined the Liberal Democrats because they had the best policies on the issue, and I’m proud that education remains front and centre of our politics today.

3: What is your number one priority in politics?

Over the years, I’ve learned how important trust is in politics, and at the heart of everything I do is earning that trust from my constituents and making them proud. That’s why my team and I always help every person who contacts me, whether the problem is big or small. No matter whether you’re having problems with the NHS or a pothole that’s making your life a misery I will do what I can to help. I’m proud that over the 7 years I’ve been elected, my team and I have answered well over 65,000 items of individual casework and I think it’s work like that that earns trust.

4: Tell us about your family, friends and pets?

I live in Botley with my partner. I’m proud to say that I’m the owner of a 21-year-old, very geriatric, cat who I got in my third year of university. My family are spread all over the place, my sister lives in Eynsham, my parents live in Brussels, and as many know I also have family in Palestine. I think it’s fair to say it’s been a very difficult year for that family. We have lost loved ones and some were forced to move. I am still very worried for the safety of those who live in Ramallah and Jerusalem, and I work every day in Parliament to get that immediate bilateral ceasefire that is the only thing that will keep them all safe.

5: What are your favourite hobbies/favourite food?

Over the last year and a half I have started playing tennis again - I have to admit I am really not very good but it is a great way of releasing tension. Especially working in politics I may find that the balls are given specific names if someone is annoying me in the House of Commons!

My favourite food to cook at home is very often Arabic food, which I learned from cooking with my mother. One of my favourite dishes is Mujadara - a lentil and rice dish - which is really delicious.

(Image: Chris Goodall)

Chris Goodall

1: Biggest issue facing the nation

Greens believe that the UK urgently needs to improve the welfare of the less well off. Social justice is a priority for us.

2: Why did you get involved in politics?

I believe that the many ecological crises facing the world need determined action and I participate in politics to try to increase the attention given to these problems.

3: Number one priority in politics? 

Making the case for resolute and immediate action on climate change. Locally, I want to improve the terms offered by the Botley West solar farm, an important venture which I support.

4: Family, friends and pets

I am lucky to live in Jericho and I am married with three adult children.

5: Favourite hobbies/favourite food

My favourite place is my allotment where I try to grow a very wide variety of produce without help from chemicals. I am pleased to be involved in other voluntary endeavours that seek to improve the availability of inexpensive local fruit and vegetables in the constituency.

(Image: Vinay Raniga) Vinay Raniga 

1: What is the biggest issue facing the nation right now?

This is the security election. There are five types of security under threat in the UK: national security, neighbourhood security, energy security, economic security, and food security. It’s the Conservatives that had a clear plan and will take bold action to make sure our future is secure.

The Conservatives promise security by increasing defence spending to 2.5% at this uncertain time, putting an extra 8,000 police officers on our streets, charting a sensible path to Net Zero that takes the whole country with us, cutting taxes at every stage of life to put more money in your pocket, and making sure we back British farmers.

2: Why did you get involved in politics in the first place?

I got involved in politics because of my experience fighting on the frontline to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. I lived at a Holiday Inn for four months to isolate myself from my vulnerable family. During those gruelling shifts, I experienced how extraordinary the institution of the NHS is. We must protect it whilst moving it forward to meet our future demands.

It was during the pandemic that I realised I wanted to run for public office so I could be part of the government team that could set the direction for the health of the nation. I am passionate about primary care, prevention and technology in healthcare, but I would start with what I know: dentistry. I want to revitalise NHS dentistry to give patients access to the best possible care.

3: What is your number one priority in politics?

My number one priority is revitalising the NHS. My aim is to develop policies to help people live happier, healthier lives. When our health or the health of a family member is poor, nothing else matters. That is why it’s crucial that we have people with frontline experience in Parliament making decisions in the national interest.

4: Tell us about your family, friends and pets.

I grew up in a working-class household in London. My father was an electronic inspector on a factor floor, and my mother was a dinner lady at a local primary school. We didn’t have much, but my parents always prioritised hard work, humility, pride in our country, gratitude, and aspiration through education. These values make me who I am today.

I live in Oxford, just off Abingdon Road, with my beautiful wife, Jasmine. She works as an optometrist and grew up in Wheatley. We moved into central Oxford three years ago when I was accepted to read the Master of Public Policy at Blavatnik School of Government,  University of Oxford.

I have no pets, but I badly want a golden retriever because my wife thinks that is my personality type.

5: What are your favourite hobbies/favourite food?

Growing up, I don’t think I missed one Match of the Day. I am a huge football fan. Arsenal has my heart, but I loved celebrating with Oxford United recently - what a fantastic achievement for the club and our county. The work they do for our communities is phenomenal.

I meditate daily and regularly go to the Buzz Gym on top of Westgate. I love Italian food, which is one reason I need to go to the gym regularly.

(Image: James Gunn) James Gunn

1: What is the biggest issue facing the nation right now?

The gulf in worldviews between our incompetent and corrupt elites and their voters is at the root of all our problems. Nothing the Government does works, in fact it sometimes seems to have the opposite effect.  Our public services have been producing so little for so much, cost of living is rising, driven by Government decisions not external factors and they just double down.  While many people are finding it harder and harder to pay their rising bills, the elite is becoming richer and richer. 

2: Why did you get involved in politics in the first place?

I want my country back. Britain used to be a harmonious society which rewarded hard work and personal responsibility with law enforcement (police, courts and prison  system) we could trust, with low taxes, comparatively cost of living, lots of opportunity and reasonably honest and competent government. and public services. We shared our beliefs, values about most things.  Now, all issues are so polarised, the country is split on so many issues and we seem to have lost the ability to reason as a society.

3: What is your number one priority in politics?

To restore the social contract between Voters, and the people given temporarily the role of politicians and officials and to produce a system which keeps MPs Ministers and senior civil servants aligned with the needs and aspirations of voters.   I will campaign for Swiss style Direct Democracy (https//:www.ddrightnow) and Proportional Representation to be introduced.  I also wish the personal integrity standards expected in public life. 

4: Tell us about your family, friends and pets?

I am divorced, with two daughters and a grand daughter but no pets. I would keep bees, if I had a garden.

5: What are your favourite hobbies/favourite food?

 I enjoy following rugby (union) and cricket, but I am not fit enough to play. I enjoy spending time with friends at church too.    I spend quite lot of time working on my online courses business.

Stephen Webb

1: Biggest issue facing the nation 

The cost of living crisis caused by Tory chaos is the issue that comes up most frequently when I talk to residents on the doorstep. Whether it is rocketing mortgage and rent costs, increased childcare costs or record energy bills, people are struggling. We need stability in the economy so that business can have the confidence to plan investment and grow, enabling government to support decent public services.

2: Why did you get involved in politics?

I became involved in politics because I believe that it is the best way of effecting change that improves people’s lives. I joined the Labour Party because it is the party which values the contribution of everyone in our country and believes that everyone deserves the same life chances.

3: Your number one priority in politics?

My personal priority is to restore people’s belief that (democratic) politics impacts positively on their lives and is the best way to resolve issues. So many people no longer believe that politics is relevant to them anymore, and understandably do not trust politicians to work in everybody’s interest and not their own. Democracy depends on people being involved and being willing to compromise with people they disagree with.

4: Tell us about your family, friends and pets

 I live in Abingdon with my partner and our two young daughters, and have lived locally since 2009. I work in science research strategy, after many years as a practising scientist, and my partner is an ecologist.

5: Favourite hobbies/favourite food?

I have been performing musicals with Abingdon Operatic Society for over 10 years. Perhaps readers saw my rendition of Harold Wilson in 'Made in Dagenham', which I expect to be the nearest I get to being prime minister! It is not just the singing, acting and dancing that is so enjoyable, it is the being part of a big team that looks out for each other, and I have made many friends through amateur theatre.

I love my food and enjoy cooking and eating it! I really like a Thai curry.

(Image: Anni Byard) Anni Byard

1: What is the biggest issue facing the nation right now?

The issues facing this nation are multiple and interconnected, but I hear most about the environment and climate change, followed by the cost-of-living crisis and lack of affordable housing for young people. The SDP will investment in renewables to eliminate energy imports thereby reducing consumer costs (but we are against solar farms on quality agricultural land). We will increase tree cover, protect ancient and veteran trees, work with farmers to reduce pesticide use and run-off, clean up our rivers by setting capital investment targets to prevent sewage discharges, and by robust enforcement of all water pollution regulations with a view to returning water to public ownership.

 2: Why did you get involved in politics in the first place?

Simply, I like people and want to see people prosper. I am fortunate to have worked with and for people from diverse backgrounds and hear their views and concerns, many of which are aligned. I am frustrated by the decades of lack of investment in people and services by the main parties. I believe the SDP’s policies are sensible and realistic and offer long-term solutions to many of the issues facing this country and the people.

 3: What is your number one priority in politics?

To challenge the duopoly and the short-termism we’ve had for decades and to show voters that there is another way; we don’t have to continue the damaging cycles of boom and bust. We must reverse the decline in living standards and our services and give our families and communities real choice and hope, in a country to be proud of.

The first past the post system is stifling democracy; we must have proportional representation to truly be a democratic nation. 

4: Tell us about your family, friends and pets?

I’m Oxfordshire born and bred and have family in Abingdon and surrounding villages. My friends across the county have diverse political viewpoints which is important to ensure one isn’t in an echo chamber; we don’t always agree but respect each other’s rights to freedom of thought and speech. We are long-term fostering a young German Shepherd, our sixth rescue dog.

 5: What are your favourite hobbies/favourite food?

I enjoy walking (although I’m currently unable to walk as much as I’d like to), being outside in nature and pottering around in the garden. Food-wise, I guess you’re expecting me to say something exciting, but, and my family will laugh at this, it’s got to be potatoes!! In any format and in any dish – I can’t imagine life without the humble spud!

Josh Phillips and Ian Shelley have not responded.

The other candidates are: Anni Byard - Social Democratic Party; Chris Goodall - Green Party; James Gunn - Reform UK; Josh Phillips - Independent; Vinay Raniga - The Conservative Party; Ian Shelley - Christian People's Alliance; and Stephen Webb - Labour Party.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.