Wokingham’s member of parliament Clive Jones has been accused by Baron John Redwood of “murdering the English language” as the campaign for the 2026 borough council elections kicks off.
With the official candidate list confirmed late last week, a war of words has broken out between Liberal Democrat MP Clive Jones and his predecessor, Conservative peer Baron John Redwood of Wokingham.
In a letter to postal voters earlier this month, Mr Jones wrote: “Over the last few months, me and my colleagues… have been talking to thousands of you about the issues that matter to you.”
Baron Redwood teased his successor by seizing on the phrasing, gently accusing the MP of “murdering the English language”, while also launching a broader attack on the Liberal Democrat-run council.
In a sharply worded letter, the former MP argued that Liberal Democrat campaign literature offers “nothing” to voters and masks what he described as a record of financial mismanagement.
His main criticism focused on highways and infrastructure. He pointed to the £5.5 million California Crossroads scheme, describing it as a “disaster” that “painted leaves” on the road while causing months of disruption to local businesses.
“There is no apology for letting a record number of bad potholes damage our roads and cars,” Lord Redwood said, adding that delayed repairs increase long-term costs.
He also questioned why the council prioritises “solar farms and road worsening schemes” over basic maintenance such as clearing drains and removing graffiti.
The Conservatives are also seeking to frame the election around council tax and spending.
Lord Redwood highlighted what he called the “maximum permitted Council tax rise” alongside rising municipal debt under Liberal Democrat leadership.
“It would be easy for the council to spend less and spend better than the Lib Dems,” he said, setting out Conservative priorities including lowering tax bills, supporting businesses affected by road closures, and protecting green spaces.
Bron Redwood also turned his criticism towards Mr Jones personally, accusing him of failing to challenge government grant reductions or defend Wokingham’s green fields from development.
He again further criticised the MP’s staffing arrangements, suggesting Mr Jones should “work harder himself” rather than relying on employees.
Addressing wider political speculation, Lord Redwood dismissed talk of a Conservative–Reform coalition, positioning his party as the only credible alternative.
He said the Conservatives are the only force capable of “cleaning the place up”.
“It is essential we elect a new council to protect our green spaces and greatly improve the roads,” he added.
“That requires a Conservative council after the spendthrift neglect of the Lib Dem years.”
