All the Liberal Democrat councillors standing for election in Wokingham in 2021

The party currently holds 15 seats on the Conservative-run council and there will be 18 seats up for grabs at this year’s election, which will be held on May 6.

Last year’s election was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic, but people are being assured it will be safe to head to the polls in 2021.

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Three Lib Dem councillors – Lindsay Ferris, Clive Jones and Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey – will be standing for re-election. 

The party have nominated 17 candidates to compete for seats on the council and they are due to nominate another to stand in Finchampstead South.

Here are the candidates who will be competing for votes on May 6:

Sheila Jordan, Bulmershe and Whitegates

Liberal Democrat candidate Sheila Jordan

“I have lived in Bulmershe and Whitegates since 2003 and my partner and I have lived in and around the area throughout our lives.

“I trained as an accountant and over the past years have worked as an administrator for a number of international development charities.

“Away from work, my passions are for crafts, real cider and science fiction. I believe in Liberal values, a fair, more equal society with opportunities for all, where no one is excluded or left behind.”

Martin Alder, Charvil

Liberal Democrat candidate Martin Alder

“I have lived with in Twyford since 1988, where my wife taught in a local state school and our children attended the Colleton and Piggott Schools.

“I am currently a member of Twyford Parish Council.

“My hobbies include cycling, which gives a close-up view of our district and our public assets and helps stimulate ideas as to how to make our area better for all.

“If elected, I aim to maintain and enhance the village environment, both in its aesthetics, economy and the health of its people.”

Morag Malvern, Emmbrook

Liberal Democrat councillor Morag Malvern

“Emmbrook has been my home for over 30 years – it’s where I brought up my four children.

“I have been an infant school governor, a leader for the Scout Association and Girlguiding, and a carer.

“Gardening keeps me active, not just at home but on community projects for Wokingham in Bloom. I believe access to green spaces is essential in today’s world.”

Ian Shenton, Evendons

Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Shenton

“With my wife I have lived in Woosehill since 1987, and while originally from the Midlands, I regard Wokingham as my home.

“Now retired, I garden, take photographs and volunteer for the National Trust.

“I want to use my business experience and interest in environmental matters to work to improve the quality of life of all residents.”

Jordan Montgomery, Finchampstead North

Liberal Democrat candidate Jordan Montgomery

“I love Wokingham as it is a safe, green borough with a friendly community.

“I want to push for more smaller, affordable housing in to help local first-time buyers; protect and improve cycle paths and footpaths to encourage greener transport options; hold the Conservatives to account on their spending and the council’s rising debt.

“I am a local government officer, and previously worked for a mental health charity.”

Clive Jones, Hawkedon

Liberal Democrat candidate Clive Jones

“I have lived locally since 1992 and am a retired company director.

“I am deputy leader of the Lib Dems on Wokingham Borough Council and the leader of Earley Town Council, where I have worked hard to restore the council’s finances and restore better governance after 16 years of poor Conservative management.

“I led the successful campaign to get an acoustic fence by the M4 and low noise tarmac.”

Wes Budd, Hillside

Liberal Democrat candidate Wes Budd

“I have lived in the area for 15 years and work in the IT industry as a partnership and community manager.

“I am interested in finance and education.  I live in Lower Earley with my partner and two small children.

“I want to see good positive change in the area and is concerned that schools have been underfunded for too long.

“I also have a passion for personal finance management and want to help residents overcome financial challenges.”

Sam Turvey, Hurst

Liberal Democrat candidate Sam Turvey

“I live in Hurst with my wife and three young children who attend the local schools.

“I am a partner at a leading financial public relations firm where I help businesses to secure and communicate with investors. I have worked in London, Hong Kong and Dubai.

“I am a member of the Hurst Parish Council and in my free time I enjoy running, following England’s cricket and rugby teams, and reading about Britain’s great adventurers.”

Beth Rowland, Loddon

Liberal Democrat candidate Beth Rowland

“I’ve lived in Woodley for over 40 years and I am committed to our community.

“I’m a town councillor, a school governor, and I’ve served as a borough councillor campaigning for better infrastructure and local services.

“I want the chance to speak up for Loddon – I need your vote to do that.”

Mike Smith, Maiden Erlegh

Liberal Democrat candidate Mike Smith

“I am an Earley town councillor for Redhatch Ward and sit on the Planning Committee.

“I take a keen interest in environmental issues and love our green spaces.

“I live in Maiden Erlegh, having moved here 35 years ago and all my three children went to Earley schools.

“I am a chartered building services engineer and, prior to recent retirement, was involved in construction research for 30 years and worked as a company director for 20 years.”

Jane Ainslie, Norreys

Liberal Democrat candidate Jane Ainsley

“I have lived in Wokingham for over 20 years where I brought up my son and daughter who went to St Crispin’s and Holt secondary.

“I have been actively involved in the community as a school governor at two local schools for over 15 years, coaching my daughter’s football team for six years and supporting the Syrian refugee resettlement programme over the past five years.

“I see joining the council as a stepping stone to a role with a bigger impact.

“My particular interest is around education especially special educational needs and mental health issues.”

Martijn Andrea, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe

Liberal Democrat candidate Martijn Andrea

“In addition to a busy family life, I have a keen interest in local history, genealogy and archaeology and we enjoy exploring the local area on foot.

“Locally I am opposed to further housing developments especially on green field land or in flood sensitive catchments.

“Natural green, open spaces, such as in Ruscombe, need to be protected for our future generations to enjoy.

“Housing developments increase the risk of flooding, especially relevant in the Wargrave area.

“My aim, should I be elected, is to represent the communities of Wargrave, Ruscombe and Remenham to protect and enhance their local environment and village amenities.”

Chris Johnson, Shinfield South

Liberal Democrat candidate Chris Johnson

“I am local – I live in Spencers Wood.

“My priorities are to challenge Conservative plans to build 15,000 houses locally.

“I want to see improvements in air quality and want more trees planted in Shinfield.

“I enjoy cycling and want to see better cycling routes locally. I work as a computer software engineer and was formerly in the RAF.”

Lindsay Ferris, Twyford

Liberal Democrat leader Lindsay Ferris

“I have been a Wokingham Borough Councillor for Twyford since 2012. A retired BT manager, my commitment to our village is strong and long-lasting.

“Before I became a borough councillor, I served as a Piggott School governor and a Twyford Parish councillor.

“I am a member of the executive of Twyford Together and the council’s representative on Age Concern Twyford.

“I have a reputation as a tireless fighter for Twyford and its residents.”

Pete Dennis, Wescott

Liberal Democrat candidate Pete Dennis

“My wife and I have lived in Wokingham for over 25 years, bringing up two children using Wokingham’s excellent schools.

“As a car driver and cyclist, I am keenly aware of the issues facing all forms of transport and as a borough councillor I will work towards better transport infrastructure for all users bringing strong consideration for the environment.

“I view communication as a key requirement and I will be open and honest with all residents.”

Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey, Winnersh

Liberal Democrat candidate Rachelle Shepherd Dubey

“I have lived in Winnersh for about 14 years.  I have been a parish councillor for nearly 10 years and a borough councillor for nine years.

“I am the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for planning at Wokingham Borough Council.

“I have been an eye doctor, worked in IT for Intel, NASA, and other companies. I have also practised as a psychotherapist working with adults and young people.

“I can often be found walking my dog in Winnersh Meadows or Dinton Pastures.”

Robert Comber, Wokingham Without

Liberal Democrat candidate Rob Comber

“I have lived in different parts of the borough for more than 30 years and my children both went to school here.

“As with many others in the Thames Valley, I built my career in the IT and telecoms sectors and ended up running a number of mid-sized businesses. I also owned and ran my own small business.

“Since moving here, I have seen the borough expand by around a third, which is huge. And it’s still growing, very fast.

“Wokingham has been a great place for me to live, and I want to ensure that is also true for the next generation.”