POLITICAL heavyweights visited Oxfordshire to back their parties in the run-up to tomorrow’s local elections.

The Liberal Democrats’ deputy leader, Jo Swinson, visited party members and candidates in Kidlington, while the Conservative Party’s chairman Brandon Lewis took a trip to Abingdon.

Ms Swinson, touted as a potential Lib Dem leader, backed members standing in the Cherwell District Council elections.

She met campaigners at Exeter Hall, where she spoke about the council elections and European Parliament elections.

Ms Swinson said: “We are very optimistic about the local elections. Across the country we are finding hundreds of former Conservative voters who are fed up with the Conservative Government.

“We are expecting great results here in Oxfordshire and that we will then go on and get a strong result in the European elections.”

The party won one seat in Cherwell District Council last year. But Alaric Rose, who represented Kidlington North, has since stood down because he has moved out of Oxfordshire.

Ms Swinson delivered leaflets and spoke to residents with Kidlington West ward candidates Conrad Copeland and Katherine Tyson.

Mr Lewis, who visited Caldecott with councillors, has been the chairman of the Conservative Party since January.

He toured the area with James Fredrickson, who is the Conservatives’ candidate to displace Layla Moran in Oxford West and Abingdon whenever the next general election is held.

Mr Lewis said: “The Conservative councillors here have an impressive record of delivery – from giving residents two hours’ free car parking and a new cinema, to supporting local businesses and delivering one of the best recycling rates in the country.

“This is local government at its best, focused on the needs of its community and enhancing the quality of life residents value so highly.

"It is no surprise that the council has achieved a 79 per cent satisfaction rating from its residents.”

Alice Badcock, who is currently Vale council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Brandon Lewis to Caldecott, to tell him about the significant achievements Conservative councillors have delivered for Abingdon over the last four years and the ambitious plans we have for the future.”

Polling stations open at 7am tomorrow.