Clive Jones, Wokingham’s member of parliament, has recounted the momentous events a year ago today, when former prime minister Rishi Sunak called a general election.
He said: “I’ll always remember where I was on May 22.
“Like many people, I thought the general election wouldn’t be until October. Still, my team and I had already been working hard, just in case.
“We were knocking on doors, speaking to hundreds of people, and getting our message out every day.
“That week, I was taking a rare break. I was in Lincolnshire, playing golf with friends from Sonning golf club. It felt good to relax for a moment after months of campaigning.
“On the second day of the trip, my phone buzzed with a message from Lib Dem HQ:
That said ‘It’s possible a general election could be called later today.’
“I told my friends over lunch. They didn’t believe it — why would they?
“The prime minister was way behind in the polls. Who would call an early election then?
“I went back to the golf course after lunch, but my mind was somewhere else.
“I kept checking my phone between shots. Soon, I saw the lectern being set up outside 10 Downing Street. That was it—something big was coming.
“I finished my match on the 12th hole with a long, winning putt—then, right after, I watched the prime minister announce the general election in the pouring rain.
“Instead of spending the evening with friends, I rushed back to the hotel. I made phone calls, held a Zoom meeting with our local team, and I was on the road driving back home later that night.
“By early morning, I was out in Wokingham meeting with key volunteers.
“By 4pm I was out canvassing with Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh, a long-time friend and colleague, asking local people if they’d like to put up posters to show their support.
“And just like that, we were off.
“The next six weeks were exciting — a fast and hopeful campaign. We spoke to thousands of residents and were joined by hundreds of volunteers from across Berkshire.
“Those 24 hours — from the golf course to the campaign trail — were some of the strangest and most unforgettable of my life.
“Now, a year on, I am able to serve Wokingham and its people as best as I can; whether that’s in Parliament speaking up for local issues, or in the area speaking with locals.
