Wokingham Elections 2022: Bulmershe & Whitegates candidates

The seat, which had been held by Labour’s Andy Croy since 2016, swung Conservative at the 2021 local elections as the former Wokingham Labour Group leader was dethroned by Shahid Younis. 

Cllr Younis won 43.5 per cent of the vote last time out, with Mr. Croy coming a very close second - achieving 42.2 per cent.  

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It was very much a two-horse race last time out, with the Liberal Democrats and Green Party receiving 7.4 and 5.4 per cent of the vote respectively, but both parties will be looking to improve this time. 

Bulmershe & Whitegates ward is currently vacant after a former Labour Councillor, Carl Doran, resigned from his position in August of last year over disagreements with the direction of the national party. 

This time, Mr Croy will face off against, Conservative Party candidate, Wazir Hussain, as well as Liberal Democrat candidate, Sheila Jordan and Green Party representative, Samuel Langlois. 

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The polls will open at 9am and close at 10pm. Residents of the ward can vote either at Earley Home Guard or Christ Church Hall. 

The Candidates: 

Andy Croy (Labour) 

Andy grew up on a council estate in Wokingham, served in the reserve Forces and taught in Sudan and Kenya before changing career to become an accountant. 

“Voting Labour in a local election won’t put more money in your pocket but it WILL make the government listen and hopefully change their polices to help more local people,” said Croy. 

Wazir Hussain (Conservative) 

“I have lived in the local area with my family since 1988, so I am fully aware of the concerns that impact local residents because your issues are my issues. 

“Public service is what drives me. I am committed to helping others and standing up for the residents of Bulmershe and Whitegates. I can only do this with your support and trust,” said Hussain. 

Sheila Jordan (Liberal Democrats) 

“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 believe in Liberal values, a fair, more equal society with opportunities for all, where no one is excluded or left behind,” said Jordan. 

Samuel Langlois (Green Party) 

“I’ve lived in the ward since 2012, when my wife and I got tired of living in the Parisian suburb, and decided to try living abroad. 

“If elected, I will campaign to reduce the place of cars in the public space, and promote the use of walking, cycling or public transport. Cars are necessary, but the fewer there are, the happier we get,” said Langlois.