A Conservative councillor moved against his party as proposals to change the election cycle arrangement were rejected by Wokingham Borough Council. 

Councillor Keith Baker, who represents Coronation Ward, said he was “probably going to be excommunicated” from the party as he gave a speech at last night’s meeting outlining why he would not be supporting the motion to move from elections by thirds to all out elections every four years. 

“Much is made that we are one of only 16 councils that operate on thirds, my response is simple – who cares what other councils do? We must decide on what is best for our residents,” he said. 

READ MORE: Bracknell Forest Council announces new chief executive

Wokingham Council operates under a four-year ‘election by thirds’ system, which means a third of its 54 councillors are elected every year in a four-year cycle – with no elections in the fourth year. 

Officers had recommended the change after a public consultation was launched on the proposal in March, when the council was still controlled by the Conservatives, which yielded results in favour of the move. 

However, only 3,067 residents responded – 1.8 per cent of the borough population – with ‘yes’ winning by a margin of just 245 votes which Cllr Baker said gave them “undue influence.” 

“There’s a lot of emphasis from officers on saving money. It’s perfectly understandable that officers would favour a low-cost option, but we are not talking about a contract to provide a service, we are talking about democracy here. 

READ MORE: Bracknell Council approve strategy to improve residents health and wellbeing

“If we start shaping democracy on the basis of cost then we are on a dangerous path to damage something that is at the very core of our society,” Cllr Baker added. 

The council, which is now under the control of a Liberal Democrats after a partnership agreement was reached between themselves, Labour and the Independent Group in the wake of the recent local elections, campaigned to keep the cycle as it is. 

Council leader Cllr Clive Jones argued that elections by thirds “reduces the risks of wholesale change” at the council and believes that the accountability that comes with it “is paramount.” 

“Elections every four years favours the big parties and disadvantages smaller parties and the independents,” he added. 

READ MORE: Resident angry at property developers ‘hazardous’ lack of maintenance

The recommendation fell after a majority of councillors voted against it, which Labour councillor for Bulmershe & Whitegates Andy Croy said was “good news” and ensured an “important part of local democracy” was protected. 

Leader of the Conservative Group Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, who voted for the motion, accused Cllr Jones of going back on an earlier pledge to “listen to the electorate.” 

“Those words ring hollow when he instructs his councillors to vote against the outcome of a public consultation with a high response rate wanting all-out elections,” she added.