Wokingham residents have reacted after news broke that former MP Sir John Redwood is set to be made a life peer and will sit in the House of Lords.
Redwood represented Wokingham as a Conservative from 1987 before he stood down in 2024 before the general election.
Clive Jones was subsequently voted in as the town’s new MP as he became Wokingham’s first ever Liberal Democrat MP.
News that Redwood will sit in the House of Lords has evoked a strong reaction from Wokingham’s residents.
One resident said: “I suppose services to the Privatisation of the Water Industry, (selling of billions of our assets, and now our local water company Thames Water needs a bailout, after paying billions in dividends and not investing in infrastructure)
“Or perhaps it’s for his rendition of the Welsh National Anthem, still available via a YouTube search.
“Of course John Redwood didn’t represent the views of his constituents, especially not on Brexit.”
Another added: “Getting to claim money for turning up for a few minutes and doing naff all while earning huge amounts elsewhere. Perfect job for him.”
However, some residents did also react positively to the news.
Taking to social media, one resident said: “Wokingham was fortunate to have him as its MP. Congratulations Sir John, this is well deserved.”
Another said: “In my personal experience, he was an excellent constituency MP. He never failed to address any issues I raised with him, and promptly. And I was in contact with him several times.”
Meanwhile, Graham Howe, chairman of Wokingham Conservative Association said: “John Redwood has given 37 years of unstinting service to Wokingham and to the United Kingdom.
“His well recognised intellect has fostered sound economic and business strategy that many would struggle to match.
“We are delighted to see his service rewarded with the elevation to the Lords.
“We thank him for his dedicated service and continued involvement in support of our local communities and country.”
