@John Kimble I wouldn't be put off. If you want to be taught by a particular person, that is an excellent reason for applying to their college. When one says that a certain college is political, one is really talking about the prevailing view among the undergraduates, not the fellows. Many students will have applied there because they know of the college's political leaning, and so the college continues to have the same politics. But some applicants may feel that they would rather be in a different environment and will apply elsewhere. It's important to remember, though, that Oxford colleges have more similarities than differences. Whichever one you go to, you are likely to have a very good experience.