There will be a new councillor for Wescott ward after Maria Gee decided to step down. In 2019, she caused a major upset by beating the then-Conservative party leader. Labour came a close third, making this an interesting seat to watch this time around.

2023 result

2019 result

Polling station

• St Crispin’s Sports Centre
• Salvation Army Hall

The candidates

Jane Ainslie, Lib Dem

I’ve lived in Wokingham for over 20 years raising my daughter and son. 

I left a career in marketing to work for a small charity providing short break respite care for disabled young people. Working part-time has given me the opportunity to be involved actively in our community as a school governor, and as a trustee of a local charity tackling the effects of domestic abuse.

In November 2021, I was elected to Wokingham Town Council where I have worked hard for residents in Wescott and across Wokingham Town.  

I want to be part of the Lib Dem administration helping to run the council and making a positive difference to the lives of the residents of Wescott and across the borough.

Dave Chapman, Green

I have lived in Wokingham for nearly 35 years.

If elected I would ensure that all new projects and policies were compatible with the safety of the planet and social justice.

The gap between the very wealthy and those who have little or nothing is a national scandal, and local services have taken a huge hit, unfairly, over the past thirteen years.

We need a community and society which values everyone, not just the few.  Vote Green on May 4th!

Alexander Freeney, Labour

Awaiting information from candidate.

David Lee, Conservative

I am standing to continue the great work carried on by the previous Conservative administration.

In these difficult times with increased energy and food bills, the council needs to be doing what it can to help. Yet the Liberal-led council is offering less for more.

For 20 years, Conservatives delivered fantastic facilities for all our residents and not by cutting services but by cutting costs.

Unlike the current Liberal coalition who: have doubled car parking charges, are moving to fortnightly or even three weekly bin collections, have reduced supply of blue bags from 80 to 54 bags, stopping supplying food waste caddy liners, and by not having an up-to-date Local Plan are allowing developers to build in unsuitable locations.

By having clear plans the Conservatives provided: new country parks and improved Dinton, California and Cantley Park, new primary and secondary schools, new leisure centres at Carnival Pool and Bulmershe, the regeneration of Wokingham town centre and the redevelopment of Elms Field into a much appreciated local area with new cinema and brilliant children’s playground.

Your Conservative administration saw through this difficult regeneration of our Town Centre whilst being subjected to regular campaigns against all aspects of this by the Liberals. When I was Leader of the Borough Council, I was proud to lead the regeneration project and delighted by all the praise from residents for delivering what they asked for.

I believe that councillors should listen and respect the views of residents and am disgusted that the Liberals now running the council have ignored the results of consultations.

As your elected councillor I will: listen and do my best to resolve your concerns, stop planning by appeal, re-establish weekly bin collections, and stop the parking increases.

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