Labour candidate Nick Fox said: “Representing your residents is an honour and privilege. “It shouldn’t be treated as a stepping stone for anything. It’s about focusing on your residents’ needs not your own personal advancement.” Conservative candidate Phil Cunnington said: “I’ll leave it for others to decide whether Jane wants to get elected to represent the people in Norreys ward or just to progress her political career via this ‘stepping stone’. “For me, my whole focus is upon Norreys and improving things for the community and its wellbeing.” Jane Ainslie However, Ms Ainslie insists she was referring to the role of councillor when she described “a role with a bigger impact”.
Photo taken by Emma Sheppard The Liberal Democrats are looking to take control of Wokingham Borough Council at this year’s local election. The party currently holds 16 seats on the Conservative-run council and there will be 18 seats up for grabs at this year’s election, which will be held on May 6. Last year’s election was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic, but people are being assured it will be safe to head to the polls in 2021. Three Lib Dem councillors – Lindsay Ferris, Clive Jones and Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey – will be standing for re-election. The party have nominated 14 candidates to compete for seats on the council and they are due to nominate another to stand in Finchampstead South.