AS Oxford goes to the polls next month candidates say national politics, cuts, and housing will decide how the city votes.

The 100 candidates vying for half of Oxford City Council’s 48 seats were revealed yesterday ahead of the election on Thursday, May 3.

The nominations include well-known community leaders and former city councillors.

Yet prominent names are not fighting to keep their seats.

Former Lord Mayor Bryan Keen, 77, said the Labour group had prevented him from standing after 21 years on the council.

Mr Keen, who was Oxford East MP Andrew Smith’s agent at five general elections, said: “I put a lot of time in to the Labour party and politics in Oxford. I’m very bitter about the way I was treated.”

But leader of the group Bob Price said: “Obviously he was disappointed but he has had a good run and he has done a stirling job over the years.”

Labour has held the council for the past four years.

Liberal Democrat Clark Brundin, 81, is not seeking re-election after eight years serving the North ward.

And Nuala Young, Green councillor for St Clement’s, is standing down after six years. She said she wanted more free time, but was also frustrated at how little influence she had. She said: “It is really off-putting. We don’t want to be puppets in the background.”

Labour currently hold 13 of the 24 seats up for election, the Lib Dems seven, and the Greens three.

Stuart Craft, of the Independent Working Class Association, is also stepping down.

Councillors last night said national politics could sway the vote and said St Clement’s, St Mary’s, Carfax and Holywell could be the most tightly-fought seats.

Labour leader Mr Price said: “As always with local elections you will get a significant impact from the national situation.”

David Williams, leader of the Green group, said his party was hoping to pick up Lib Dem seats in Carfax and Holywell.

Alan Armitage, Lib Dem member for North, said: “People will vote on national issues but I’m pretty sure most people support the coalition’s efforts on the economy.”

Elizabeth Mills, chairman of the Divinity Road Area Residents’ Association, is standing in the St Clement’s ward. And campaigner Mick Haines is again standing in Marston as an independent.