Labour can offer an ‘effective opposition’ on Wokingham Borough Council, its leading councillor Andy Croy has said.
Like the Liberal Democrats, the party has increased its number of councillors in the borough council over recent years.
Currently, it has just five seats on the council – although this is up from three this time last year and two the year before.
Cllr Croy has said that Labour has cooperated with the council where it feels it can influence decisions – but opposed those it disagrees with.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We look at each issue individually. We’re generally looking at things and thinking, is it a good thing or not.
“There have been occasions where we’ve voted with the Conservatives. But effective is also about influencing things that are going to happen, not just throwing the toys out of the pram.
“You hear so often why can’t you work together – and sometimes you can. You can change things, you can influence things, and you can point out mistakes.”
Cllr Croy said Labour’s campaigning has focussed on issues facing each ward. But he said the coming general election had influenced the way people see the party locally.
He said: “Most people think we’re going to be the next government and they’re looking at their local parties with a more favourable eye and where they see candidates who are doing stuff, the change in the national picture has affected show people see us locally.”
The local elections take place tomorrow, Thursday, May 2.
