OXFORD City Council is ‘confident’ all ballot boxes for the St Clement’s ward were counted correctly, following fears raised by an Independent candidate.

Amir Steve Ali finished second, and 343 votes behind Labour’s Jemima Hunt, in the east Oxford ward in last week’s elections.

Mr Ali queried a third box, and whether it was indeed counted.

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He said: “The boxes for the St Clement’s ward came in but there was no third box, we were told a third box was going to come.

“I’m not accusing anyone, maybe it did come out and we missed it – but it sounded a bit odd.”

thisisoxfordshire: Amir Steve Ali stood in the St Clement’s ward. Picture: Liam RiceAmir Steve Ali stood in the St Clement’s ward. Picture: Liam Rice

However, a city council spokesperson told the Oxford Mail: “The returning officer is confident that all ballot boxes for the St Clement’s ward were received in a timely manner and were verified and counted correctly and in accordance with usual processes and procedures.”

Former Labour councillor Jamila Azad was supporting Mr Ali on the night, with it being his first time standing for election.

She said: “Counting stopped for between 20 and 30 minutes at one point, and for me, it was the first time being there independently rather than with a party.

“It was questioned, and that’s how we knew something wasn’t right.”

Ms Azad contacted the returning officer on Monday about the matter, and was advised that all three boxes were counted correctly and in accordance with the correct procedures.

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