WOKINGHAM Labour celebrated winning two additional seats in the 2023 local elections: a second in Norreys, and a new one in Shinfield North.
Cllr Marie-Louise Weighill joins group leader Rachel Burgess in representing Norreys, winning the seat vacated by Conservative Gregor Murray, who stood down.
It was a close contest, as Conservative challenger Mike Townend received 1,169 votes compared to Cllr Weighill’s 1,349.
She admitted that she wasn’t sure of victory.
“I was very uncertain,” Cllr Weighill said of her pre-count view. “Now I’m delighted.
“It’s great. I’m really looking forward to serving as I grew up in Norreys, and it’s a chance to put something back.”
And she praised Cllr Burgess’ work in Norreys, as well as that of the wider group.
“(The win) is testament to the work the Labour party has done, including Rachel, Andy Croy and the others,” she said.
“They put forward a local approach that’s really strong in terms of responsiveness to residents, thinking about things that are important to all of them, but particularly those residents who don’t always get listened to.
“That’s what inspired me to run, and I’m really pleased it has produced the effect it has had today.”
