THE LEADER of one of the borough’s political parties has joined Wokingham’s Liberal Democrats.
Louise Timlin, who has led the Reading and Wokingham branch of the Women’s Equality Party for the past three years, says the change has come about because of the electoral system used in UK elections.
During her time with the Women’s Equality Party, she has campaigned on multiple issues including the provision of local domestic abuse services, the gender pay gap at Wokingham Borough Council, and changing the culture that enables violence against women and girls.
And these, she feels, are issues that the Liberal Democrats also convey.
“There has been strong grass roots support in Wokingham for the values and policies of the Women’s Equality Party,” she said.
“I am incredibly proud of the influence that we have had, including the collaboration I established with the local Liberal Democrats in 2022 which led to tangible change.
“It’s clear to me that to achieve more across a wider range of issues and within our ‘first past the post’ electoral system I need to work as a part of a larger party. The values and policies of the Liberal Democrats are aligned with my own, and I am looking forward to working as a member of the Liberal Democrat team to best serve the community and make even more of a difference.”
The switch has been welcomed by the leader of Wokingham borough Liberal Democrats, and council leader, Cllr Stephen Conway, who said he was delighted.
“She’s a well-known campaigner who shares our values and will make a great addition to the Lib Dems in Wokingham,” he said.
“We have new members with talent and experience joining the Liberal Democrats locally every week, adding enormously to our ability to serve residents.”
Ms Timlin has stood in local elections for Evendons ward.
