The newest member of Wokingham town council, Chetna Jamthe, has joined the Liberal Democrat group.
Following the resignation of a Labour councillor in February, and no calls for a by-election, Chetna Jamthe was selected by the remaining town councillors to be “co-opted” onto the council, representing the Norreys East ward.
In the 2023 Wokingham town council election, 15 Liberal Democrats were elected, six Labour, three Conservative and one Independent. Following the resignation of one of the Conservative councillors shortly after, a by-election was called in Wescott East in August 2023, which was won by the Liberal Democrats.
Following the appointment of Cllr Chetna Jamthe on Tuesday night (April 9), the town council make up is now 17 Liberal Democrats, five Labour, two Conservative and one Independent councillor.
Chetna said: “I am extremely pleased to have been selected to join the council.
“I want to represent residents, understand their needs, and deliver local change.”
Leader of Wokingham town council, Cllr Maria Gee, welcomed Chetna to the council.
She said: ““We are delighted that Chetna has been selected to join the council and look forward to working with her.
“Her business analysis experience will be an asset to our work, serving residents efficiently and effectively.”
Councillors are co-opted if there is a vacancy and fewer than 10 people in the affected ward call for a by-election. They save the council money in calling an election where there is insignificant demand for one. n this instance, the remaining councillors voted for the new councillor.
