VOTE 2023: Shinfield North

Parry Batth has held this seat for 12 years for the Conservatives, but it is a seat that Labour will fancy its chances in winning. Tony Johnson, who has written commentaries on political life in Wokingham for Wokingham Today, is standing as an independent, while the Lib Dems are fielding a new candidate, Dominic Rider.

2023 result

2019 result

Candidate	Votes
Steve Newton, Lib Dem	138
Parry Batth, Conservative	300
James Reid, Labour	280
Spoilt	11

Polling station

Shinfield Players Theatre

Whiteknights Primary School

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Shinfield pub to close temporarily after firefighters tackle blaze for almost five hours

The candidates

Parry Batth, Conservative

I was first elected as the borough councillor for Shinfield North in 2011. Many residents who have supported me have become friends and it has been a huge pleasure and my privilege to serve the Shinfield North community.

During these 12 years, I held many posts within the Council including chairing Scrutiny Committees and holding the Council to account. I served as the Mayor of Wokingham Borough in 2015/2016 with the honour of welcoming members of the Royal Family to our Borough and supporting a huge range of local charities.

In May 2019 I was appointed Executive Member for Environment and Leisure Services. I delivered two major new Sports and Leisure Centres – Bulmershe in Woodley and Carnival Hub in Wokingham. I believe that providing excellent sporting facilities very much contributes to our borough being rated as one of the healthiest in the country!

As the Lead councillor for the Environment I maintained weekly bin collections and increased recycling by introducing waterproof green bags.

Over the last 12 years I have helped resolve many issues for the residents of Shinfield North such as housing, potholes, anti-social behaviour, nuisance parking, school places, overhanging bushes and flooding.

In 2012 I set up the Community Flat in Frensham Green for housing surgeries, children and elderly support, youth club support and football for boys and girls.

I also hold monthly resident surgeries there because as your Borough Councillor, I’ve always been available to help everyone. Whether your concern is big or small, or if you just want to have a chat, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I am asking for your support to be re-elected on 4th of May 2023 for a fourth term. With your vote, I can continue working hard for Shinfield North and serving our community.

Andrew Gray, Labour

Awaiting information from candidate.

Tony Johnson, Independent

You talk, I listen, we act

Do you feel you’re being ignored?

The role of the Councillor is to listen to residents, work out what’s needed, then get on and deliver.

For individuals, local groups or the whole community.

And this begins with you communicating your needs and your Councillor responding.

The reality we face in Shinfield North today is that confidence in party politics, let alone individual Councillors, is flat-busted. In 2019, just 700 of us went out to vote and 1,700 didn’t.

Things need to change, and that change starts now.

As an Independent, I make this pledge:

I will take the time to listen to you.
Work out what can be done.
Then keep you informed.

In just the same way I’ve done for others since Spring 2015.

It’s as simple as that.

So, whether you’re a first-time voter, an occasional voter, a “don’t believe the political parties person”, if you stay away in 2023 – you can always complain later.

Then again, you COULD make a difference and vote for the person you want to act on your behalf.

Independents – working for you

tony@wokinghamindependents.org