LABOUR's Louise Upton has swept to victory in tonight's by-election.

The Oxford City Council race was held after disgraced former Lord Mayor Alan Armitage stepped down, leaving a vacancy on the council.

Mrs Upton claimed 367 votes, narrowly defeating Lib Dem contender Tim Bearder, who secured 330 votes.

Her victory adds to the strong majority her party already has on the council.

Green Party candidate Sushila Dhall picked up 262 votes, while Tory John Walsh trailed the field with 100 votes.

The turnout on the night was low at 23 per cent.