Teamwork is at the heart of what we do as Labour councillors, and it is through collaboration at every level that we are able to deliver meaningful change for our residents. From the strength of our Labour group, to the dedication of our local volunteers, and the wider community itself, it is clear that working together achieves far more than working alone.
Within the Wokingham Borough Council Labour group, while there are only five of us, I believe we punch above our weight. Each councillor brings their own skills, experience and perspective, creating a collective strength that benefits the whole borough. Together we are more than the sum of our parts.
Cllr Andrew Gray, a teacher by profession, uses his expertise to great effect as Chair of the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee. His ability to listen, challenge constructively and guide discussion ensures that decisions affecting young people are properly examined and scrutinised.
Cllr Nagi Nagella, who lives on a new development, has become a strong voice for many residents facing challenges with developers and management companies. Too often, people are asked to pay high management fees for services that simply do not meet expectations. Nagi works hard to try to hold those responsible to account and to help make sure residents are treated fairly. If management companies still fail to act, all too often he will do the job himself.
Cllr Greg Bello combines his role on the borough council with his work on Woodley town council, bringing a joined-up approach to local issues. Working closely with Yuan Yang MP, he has been a strong advocate for improved local bus services, recognising how vital reliable public transport is for connecting communities.
Meanwhile, Cllr Marie-Louise Weighill plays a key role on the Corporate and Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where she consistently stands up for residents. Whether it is challenging proposals to reduce the frequency of grass cutting or scrutinising wider service changes, she ensures Labour values inform the scrutiny process and that the impact on our communities is always front and centre.
But teamwork does not stop at the council chamber. Our local Labour team of volunteers forms another vital layer. Together, we organise litter picks, remove graffiti, clean street signs and report issues such as potholes and overgrown vegetation. These are practical actions that make a visible difference to our neighbourhoods. Just as importantly, the team fosters a strong sense of loyalty and shared purpose amongst Labour members. People enjoy getting involved because they can see the impact of their efforts and know they are helping their community. Self-aggrandisement is the very antitheses of why we are in the party – service is at the heart of what we do.
Beyond this, there is the wider community itself. Residents regularly join us at litter picks and attend meetings such as the Neighbourhood Action Group that I chair in Norreys and Wescott. These forums provide an opportunity for people to raise concerns, share ideas and work together on solutions. The energy and commitment shown by local residents is inspiring, and it reinforces the idea that positive change is most effective when it is community led.
Finally, there is the important work we do across party lines. While political differences are a natural part of local government, some of the most valuable work councillors undertake happens in cross-party groups. Whether contributing to the local governance review or working on transport issues such as access to Twyford station, collaboration between councillors of all parties helps deliver better outcomes for residents.
Cllr Rachel Burgess, Leader of the Labour Group, Wokingham Borough Council
