A WOMEN’S Equality Party candidate has decided to step aside from the May local elections, instead opting to endorse the Liberal Democrat candidate,
In previous years, Louise Timlin has stood in Evendons ward, but this year she has chosen to endorse Sarah Kerr, who is standing for re-election.
She said that part of her decision was because Cllr Kerr had been working to ensure specialist services for women fleeing domestic violence are available to all who need them.
Both parties say there is a deeper issue around how specialist services are commissioned, and want to see a change in the council’s procurement process going forward.
Ms Timlin said: “I have contested the local elections for Evendons Ward twice in order to raise awareness of issues impacting women’s equality, including ensuring specialist services for women fleeing domestic violence are available to all who need them.
“As a new party, winning 6% of the vote both times demonstrates that these are issues which matter to the residents.
“I have seen Cllr Sarah Kerr speak out about matters of inequality, and we have campaigned together on issues such as domestic abuse provision locally and the White Ribbon campaign.
“She is a trusted partner and advocate for women’s equality. By working together, the Wokingham Lib Dems and WEP have shown that we can do politics differently and for the benefit of vulnerable residents in our community.”
Cllr Kerr said: “I am thrilled that Louise is endorsing me in the 2022 local elections and we hope to demonstrate how positive collaborative working can be for our community.”
On Saturday, the Women’s Equality Party held a stall in Market Place to raise awareness of its views and launch a petition calling on Wokingham Borough Council to seek White Ribbon accreditation.
The scheme encourages men and boys to take action when their peers use inappropriate behaviour around women.
