A GROUP of Wokingham residents wants to shake up the electoral system by filling the town council with independent candidates.
The group – An Independent Voice for Wokingham – was formed by people who felt dismayed about the party political system and its impact on the Elms Field proposals.
Chairman Alan Sadler had met with others who felt similarly after one council meeting and now the group wants to attract locals interested in standing.
All 25 seats on Wokingham Town Council are being contested this year but with 10 of them currently held by Conservatives on the borough council, the group feels that creates a block vote and does not allow sufficient representation.
Member of the group Amanda Kirby said the fact that the 10 were Conservatives was not the issue, but that they were able to vote together to force their party line was.
She said: “The best interests of the town are not served by councillors on the borough, overriding them.”
The group wants to hear from locals interested in standing at the town council elections on May 7. Public meetings have been held to spread the word and a Facebook group has been formed which has more than 330 likes. Nominations for standing have to be in by 4pm on April 9.
Although members of the group have been working together, the independent candidates will be able to vote as they wish.
Ms Kirby, who is a working, single mum, said all kinds of people were wanted, including younger people and mums.
She added: “We want the wider town to be represented. We are trying to raise awareness that if you want to do something for your town, why not be a town councillor?”
She added: “We have a core group so far that has absolutely no political allegiances and they believe the town council line should not be party political.
“This is all about shaking the council up and making sure it represents the constituents.”
Contact [email protected]
