A FAMILIAR face has been picked to contest the new Woodley and Earley seat at the forthcoming general election: the leader of Wokingham Conservatives.
Pauline Jorgensen beat off competition from other candidates, including former Reading East MP Rob Wilson, to win a vote of members.
While the general election date has yet to be announced, it could be held at any point up to January 2025, with many expecting a poll next year. It will be the first to be contested along new boundary lines, with this seat effectively replacing Reading East.
As well as including Woodley and Earley, it also includes parts of Whitley.
Mrs Jorgensen has lived in the constituency for nearly 40 years, and has represented Hillside for the borough council, and been an Earley Town councillor as well.
She is also a Trustee of the British Airways Benevolent Fund which relieves poverty and provides support to BA staff, pensioners and their families.
This is not the first general election campaign she has fought. In 2017, she was the Conservatives candidate for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney where she came second, increasing the party’s share of the vote.
“I am truly honoured and delighted to have been chosen as the Conservative candidate,” said Mrs Jorgensen.
“Earley has been my home for nearly four decades. Residents frequently contact me about problems and difficulties they are experiencing, I am always happy to help.
“I have spent years championing our area and standing up for residents as a Town councillor and as a Borough councillor.
“I am excited about the challenge ahead and am looking forward to continue meeting and listening to residents.”
