When voters head to the polls tomorrow (Thursday, May 3) they will also be asked to elect new councillors in 18 wards for Wokingham Borough Council.

Elections will be held for 18 of the borough’s 54 seats.

The Conservatives hold 45 seats and the Liberal Democrats hold nine seats on the council. The borough holds elections for one third of the council every year over three years, with no elections every fourth year.

UKIP, Labour, Green and three independent candidates are standing. The last time a Labour candidate held a seat on the borough council was in 2003. An independent candidate last held a seat in 2002.

Here is your guide to election candidates for each wards. (The words are those of the candidates or parties)

Use our quick links to find each candidate:

Bulmershe & Whitegates

Greg Bello (Labour)

Greg Bello is standing in this election to defend local public services from cuts and privatisation. He has made social care services for the elderly and a return of public toilets for Woodley priorities in his campaign. Greg is also campaigning to get over-development stopped and reduced in north Earley where Reading University is trying to build 287 new houses.

Greg has seven years’ experience as an elected councillor in a neighbouring local authority and works in human resources and training.

Lesley Hayward (Lib Dem)

Lesley has lived in Woodley for more than 20 years and brought up her family of two boys here. She ran the White Horse pub in Wokingham Without for some years.

Her many interests include green bowling, reading and interior design. Lesley feels passionate about the need for good bus services, considerate parking, the regeneration of Woodley town centre and the preservation of the valuable green open space between Earley and Woodley.

Bill Khan (UKIP)

No profile submitted by candidate

Mohammed Parvaiz

Mohammed Parvaiz lives on Culver Lane in Whitegates with his wife and two teenagers who are in Bulmershe School’s sixth form.

Having run his own businesses for over 25 years and as a local resident with a family he understands how we are all affected by the current difficult economic conditions. He shares local concerns about education, provision for the elderly, anti-social behaviour, youth development and community cohesion.

Since moving to Whitegates eight years ago he has been involved in the local community helping older people and those coping with serious illness.

A passionate supporter of cancer research charities Mohammed Parvaiz has organised a number of charity fund raising events and has now raised over £10,000.

Adrian Windisch (Green)

Adrian Windisch is a hard-working campaigner for Reading and Wokingham.

He has stood in two general elections and many local elections in the last seven years. He is the director of an environmental charity and has helped build several eco houses in the UK and a school in rural Tanzania.

He works throughout Berkshire and surrounding areas as a construction engineer and green campaigner. He believes that in the economic crisis, political crisis and climate crisis facing us, we need a Green voice to put fairness, integrity and the environment at the heart of the agenda. He sees a vote for the Green Party as a positive choice for future generations.

CHARVIL

Emma HobbS (Conservative)

Emma has been the councillor for Charvil since May 2008 and has lived in Charvil for 26 years. During her time as a councillor Emma has successfully campaigned against unsuitable back garden developments and for Environment Agency action on flooding and improved signage on The Ford.

She also helped to obtain funding for the multi use games area in Park Lane and for the Wokingham Borough Council vegetable plots on disused land. In addition Emma serves on the adoption panel, corporate parenting and health overview committees.

James O’Callaghan (Green)

James Brian O’Callaghan has lived locally for 16 years. He is the head of education and lifelong learning for a professional institute. Previously, he taught architectural history at the University of Reading. He is a governor at Reading Blue Coat School.

Brian is passionate about conservation of both the built and natural environment. He was a founder member of his local civic society and served terms as the society’s vice-chairman and the chair of its planning committee. 

He is a regular cyclist, both for commuting, local journeys and recreation. He believes that our streets should be places for people and communities, not merely through-routes for motorised traffic.

Nick Ray (Independent)

"I am standing because I think Charvil needs a strong and independent voice to avoid being overlooked and under-served.

My "Party" is "Charvil First" and this will also be my maxim and guiding principle in all matters should I be elected. I care passionately about whether Charvil has the infrastructure to support proposed housing developments, whether we are well-served by our schools, have good local play facilities for our children and that our elderly residents have the facilities that they deserve.

Having served on Charvil Parish Council for eight years, I have a good appreciation of local matters. I have also dealt directly with Wokingham Borough Council concerning the Junior Cricket Club, Country Park, Angling Club and multi-use games area at East Park Farm. A positive outcome for Charvil was achieved in all four cases through persistence, good communication and occasional compromise."

Malcolm Storry (Lib Dem)

Malcolm was a Wokingham borough councillor for 14 years before standing down at the 2011 elections. He is a Woodley town councillor.

He has lived in Earley for 36 years and is married with three daughters who all attended local schools.

Malcolm used to lecture at Bracknell & Wokingham College before his retirement. He enjoys helping local residents with their problems and is particularly interested in planning issues.

Emmbrook

UllaKarin Clark (Conservative)

UllaKarin Clark is married and has lived in Emmbrook since 1986 with her Wokingham-born husband and their three sons. UllaKarin is a solicitor by profession.

She has been privileged to represent Emmbrook residents on Wokingham Borough Council since 2003 and has been a member of the Council’s Executive since 2010.

As an executive member, UllaKarin has been involved in human resources and ensuring graduate and apprenticeship schemes are provided by the council. UllaKarin has worked with Trading Standards, including the creation of the first no cold calling zone in Wokingham and has worked to maintain and improve Wokingham’s library service.

Suresh Jeganathan (Lib Dem)

Suresh was born in London and moved to Wokingham 17 years ago, via four years of school in south India and Sheffield Hallam University.

After 10 years working for US companies Oracle and IBM, he has been an independent consultant for six years.

Suresh stood as an Earley Town Council candidate last year and believes his Liberal values come from a belief that we are all equal and should all be able to contribute to and have a stake in our own society. If elected, Suresh will strive to ensure that business works with local communities rather than see the council roll-over to big business

Steven McMillan (UKIP)

"I have lived in Emmbrook for 10 years and, as a traffic engineer by profession, I am particularly interested in Wokingham’s traffic problems.

"I feel that we need a voice within the council to debate issues such as the dubious benefits of the Station relief road and the provision of highway capacity to support new housing developments.

"I am standing as a candidate because I believe that our current politicians fail to explain why they continue to pursue unpopular policies behind the charade of public consultation. UKIP is a libertarian party which is committed to more freedoms for local issues to be decided by local referendum."

Paul Sharples (Labour)

Paul is married with two grown-up children and has lived in Emmbrook for over 15 years. He works as a commercial sales manager for a major company.

Paul wants to see more local facilities for pensioners, young people and other groups in Wokingham. He is also keen to push for real improvements to the local bus services and for more road safety measures.

Evendons

Dianne King (Conservative)

Dianne was first elected to the then Wokingham District Council in 1996.

Dianne is now Mayor of the Borough. Her work has included setting up Wokingham Borough’s Strategic Partnership working with key organisations throughout the Borough to improve the quality of life of residents.

Dianne also represents Evendons on the Wokingham Town Council and looks forward to the continued improvements to Wokingham Town Centre, something she has put a lot of work into over the years.

She has lived in Evendons Ward with husband Brian for nearly 25 years. They have three adult children.

Steven Scarrott (Lib Dem)

Steve has lived in Berkshire for 24 years. He works in the charity sector where he has worked for Age Concern and latterly Citizens Advice in a specialist adviser role.

For over 10 years, Steve was a parish councillor where he successfully brought in the lowest ever increases to the parish council tax, an achievement that has not been matched.

Steve's strength is his ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds, age, and abilities, listening to their concerns and taking up their cause.

Anthony Skuse (Labour)

Tony is married with three grown-up daughters and has lived in the Evendons ward for over 30 years. He retired after 34 years as a commercial pilot.

He is very interested in health issues and has recently been elected as a governor of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. He is also the secretary of the Reading Festival Chorus.

Mike Spencer (UKIP)

"I has lived in Wokingham for more than 40 years and would relish the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the borough.

"I work in the care industry helping people in the community and is keenly aware that governments do not seem to like making cuts where they should.

"Day centres should remain open and local people should have a real say as to the housing and infrastructure plans that threaten to ruin the character of our popular town.

"On a local level, democracy has diminished with the cabinet system and a Core Strategy that has been dictated by national policy rather than the views of local people. It’s time local people had a greater say in the affairs in their community, not merely “consulted”, so that local government is truly held to account."

Finchampstead North

Martyn Foss (Green)

Martyn Foss has lived in Finchampstead for 20 years. He is a teacher with over 25 years’ experience, many of which have been spent working to make schools more just, equitable and sustainable.

He is now keen to do the same in local government and to make it more just, equitable and sustainable. With a Green MP, two Green MEPs and over 100 Green councillors elected in recent years in the UK he feels now is the time for Wokingham to build a long-term future by electing its first Green councillor.

Mike Gorr (Conservative)

Mike Gore has lived in Finchampstead all his life and was educated at local schools, and then at Bracknell College.

After serving an apprenticeship with Ferranti, he joined their design team before establishing his family business here nearly forty years ago. Mike has been involved in local politics for a long time and has represented the residents of Finchampstead North on the Borough Council for the last four years.

He serves on two council committees, chairs the Brambles Youth Committee and represents the council on the board of the charity Keep Mobile.

Tim Jinkerson (Labour and Co-operative)

Tim Jinkerson moved to Finchampstead in 1995. He is a committed Christian and member of Wokingham Baptist Church, where he teaches the five to sevens and heads up the churches response to world mission and global issues.

Tim is passionate about Fair Trade and equal rights for all, including equal access to trade. Charity is important, but it is just as important to allow people to trade without restrictions so that they can improve themselves.

Tim works for a multinational IT corporation based in Reading. He is married with two teenage children, who both attend a local state school in Wokingham.

Roy Neall (Lib Dem)

Roy is now retired. Most of his working life was spent in civil engineering and the construction industry in a variety of roles, from design to work on site, spending his later years as a self employed quantity surveyor.

He is an experienced town councillor and in that role has been involved with a number of charities within Wokingham Borough.

Finchampstead South

Roland Cundy (Lib Dem)

Roland Cundy has lived with his family in the area for 24 years. Roland is chairman of Finchampstead Parish Council, chairman of governors at Finchampstead CE primary school.

Roland is chairman of the California Ratepayers Hall, and chairman of the East Berkshire Education Business Partnership. Roland is well-known for his involvement in the community.

Ian Pittock (Conservative)

Ian Pittock has lived in Finchampstead for 11 years and previously 9 years in Wokingham Without. After many years in the military and Civil Service specialising in security and consultancy work across Europe, Ian now has time to devote to the local community.

As an existing Finchampstead Parish Councillor, Ian contributed to the Core Strategy and local development plans. Ian has been a governor of a local school and campaigned for a new secondary school in the southern area. Ian’s interests include walking, building and research for a series of military history books.

Matthew Valler (Green)

Matt Valler is a communications manager for a major international charity and has lived in Finchampstead almost all his life. While he was a youth and children's worker at Finchampstead Baptist Church, took an initiative to bring greater collaboration between statutory and voluntary youth provision in the area.

He believes that local government should be more accountable to local communities.

He would fight for ongoing investment in faster broadband for Finchampstead, as a vital infrastructure need that can alter working patterns for many, making new business possible, and allowing more people to work from home - something that benefits families, the local community and the environment.

Hawkedon

Guy Grandison (Conservative)

Guy Grandison has lived and worked in Lower Earley for the past five years and has been an Earley town councillor for the past year.

He is a graduate from The University of Reading and works for an IT security company as a salesman. Guy is a member of the policy and resources committee on Earley Town Council and has aided in the continued development of Earley Town Council facilities.

Guy is married and in his spare times enjoys fishing, walking and is a keen supporter of London Irish RFC and the Bracknell Bees Ice Hockey Club.

Peter Jackson (UKIP)

“I taught modern languages at Portsmouth Grammar School, but became disenchanted with the classroom and I am now employed ‘on the buses’ by First Group.

"I am firmly of the opinion that we should leave the European Union as it is unelected, unaccountable and makes decisions which almost invariably work against Britain’s interests.

"Our fishing industry has been all but wrecked by slavish adherence to the EU, so too is our agriculture, which is suffering badly and our borders – despite claims by the coalition, are as porous as they were during Blair’s discredited administration. A vote for UKIP will help redress this shameful situation.”

John Prior (Green)

John Prior has lived in Woodley for 30 years. Following a career in industry he joined Oxford Brookes University 14 years ago as a lecturer in the Business School.

He is passionate about environmental issues at both local and global level and takes a keen interest in developments in educational policy.

He has been a governor at Addington School for many years. Policies such as defending public services, supporting community projects, building more affordable housing and providing better public transport (including walking and cycling facilities) are at the heart of his values as a Green Party candidate.

Anthony Vick (Lib Dem)

Anthony Vick has lived in Lower Earley for eight years, and is bringing his family up here.

He has actively campaigned to save Wokingham’s libraries, and is running a petition for a pedestrian crossing on Kilnsea Drive.

Anthony has also been active in the community as a fundraiser for the Earleybird pre-school committee, a member of the Earley Adopt A Street Initiative (EASI), and chairman of the Wellington Grange Residents Association.

Neville Waites (Labour)

“A Labour Party member for nearly 50 years and an Earley resident for 45 years, I am one of the local team of ‘EASI’ litter collectors and cycle with my season ticket to the Madejski Stadium to shout in support of the Champions.

I also sing for charities in the Reading Male Voice Choir. I can promise all the Hawkedon constituents my conscientious representation at Wokingham Council if elected, especially on education issues, having lectured at The University of Reading.”

Hillside

Helene Cherry (Green)

Originally from West Dorset, Helene has lived in the locality for more than eight years. She is a member of several groups working towards improving the local environment for current and future generations.

Helene currently works part-time as an administrator and before this worked in the IT industry. Helene values protection of the environment, strong local communities and well-maintained green spaces with easy access for all.

She believes the Green Party offers a viable and relevant alternative to mainstream political parties.

This is the first time Helene has stood in the local elections and she is looking forward to providing the residents of the ward with a Green alternative.

Pauline Jorgensen (Conservative)

Pauline Jorgensen has lived in Earley since 1984, and has been a town councillor for 17 years and a borough councillor for four years. Pauline plays an active role in the town council and is currently deputy mayor.

She has been very active in planning and has spoken at many of the borough council planning committee meetings, on behalf of local residents.

During the last four years on the borough council she has been vice chairman of audit and Conservative group chairman. Pauline has worked in aviation for many years both in IT and as head of people services.

David Sharp (Labour)

“David Cameron and Nick Clegg are out of touch. In the last two years, prices have gone up, unemployment has gone up, taxes have gone up, wages have fallen, services have been cut and growth has stalled, yet these two privileged public schoolboys now think it makes sense to give a tax cut of £40,000 a year to 14,000 millionaires.

"Only the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats could possibly think this was a sensible way to run the country.”

Keith Yabsley (Lib Dem)

Keith moved to Reading nearly 20 years ago to study at Reading University, and has since lived in Reading and Earley, working in the IT sector locally.

He has settled with his wife, a teacher, and young daughter in Hillside, and is working with the Lib Dem team to help build a community which local residents can feel proud to be part of.

Hurst

Paula Montie (Green)

Paula Montie is a recently retired primary school headteacher who has lived in Hurst for the last 11 years. She is still involved in education as a trainer and coach and also as chairman of governors at a local primary school.

Paula has been a Green Party member for over 20 years. She is standing for election now as she believes only the Green Party has the policies which will give local people a meaningful voice and ensure we protect our public services and our environment for future generations.

Wayne Smith (Conservative)

Wayne is married with two boys, aged 10 and nine, who play for the Hurst cricket and football teams. Wayne himself is manager of the under-11s football team.

A dedicated chairman of the Hurst Parish Council and Hurst Village Society for over eight years, since 2002 Wayne has been heavily involved with a variety of initiatives, including speeding issues and planning.

He has helped raise money for the village with the annual HVS dinner dance and archery at the summer horse show. He has been proudly working for British Gas for 26 years where he is head of insulation.

Paul Trott (Lib Dem)

Paul Trott is married with two children, and has lived in Twyford for 27 years. A graduate of London University, he is now head of marketing for an international Christian charity.

His wife Jo is a teacher in Reading and a former chairman of governors at one of the Twyford schools, while their children both went to Polehampton and Piggott Schools.

Paul’s chief political concerns are in social justice, constitutional reform and, not surprisingly, education.

Away from politics, Paul is a keen sportsman: he was secretary of a local cricket club, helps to run a golf society and has arranged events to raise funds for a number of charities including Amnesty International, Cancer Research and The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.

Umesh Ummat (Labour) – no profile submitted by candidate

Loddon

Tom Clark (Labour)

“I have lived in Woodley with my wife and family for more than 25 years. My children have been educated at Woodley schools.

“I share local concerns about potential threats to the NHS; the frailty of local state care provision and the growing pressure on Woodley’s infrastructure and schools as housing development plans go ahead.

“After working for many years in a corporate environment based out of Winnersh Triangle I have now established my own business consultancy in Woodley.

“I believe that by acting better together we can achieve more for Woodley’s residents.”

Tom McCann (Lib Dem)

Tom McCann has lived in Woodley for 30 years and both of his daughters attended Bulmershe School.

He was a Wokingham borough councillor for more than 10 years before standing for parliament in two general elections. He currently manages two local charity shops and is committed to making a difference in our community.

Bill Soane (Conservative)

Bill has lived in Spruce Road with his wife for nearly 30 years, so is ideally placed to represent local residents.

Bill has run his own small business for many years and he became involved in the local community soon after moving here. He has been on Woodley’s Carnival Committee for many years and was chairman for 10 years – helping raise money for local charities.

In his five years on Woodley Town Council, Bill has supported many residents and helped with a wide range of problems from litter to planning issues.

Bill is also an active member of the local Rotary Club and he is actively campaigning and fundraising for a war memorial for Woodley.

Julia Titus (Green)

Julia Titus has lived in Reading all her life, and belongs to a large Reading-based family. She trained at Thames Valley University and received a BA Hons in community theatre.

She works with many different theatre groups and sings in many different venues. She is a self-employed singer and actor. Julia believes that if we don’t look after the world that we live in our way of life will come to an end.

She would like to see the parks and communal areas better maintained and more activities available for families and more social events. She feels that the communal feel of neighbourhoods needs to be nourished.

Maiden Erlegh

David Hare (Lib Dem)

David Hare is leader of Earley Town Council Liberal Democrat group. He was a borough councillor for 15 years, chairman of social services and opposition lead for the environment.

David brought up his three sons, now grown up, in Earley. David works for The Alzheimer’s Society in Reading, recruiting, training and placing volunteers.

David is a secretary of Berkshire Cricket Officials Association, a registered panel umpire, is active in a local church and is treasurer of a charity working in gardens with people who have mental health problems.

Nicholas Marshall (Green)

Nicholas Marshall was brought up in Earley where he attended Aldryngton School. In recent years he worked as a counsellor helping people recovering from emotional problems. Before that he worked in the IT field.

Nicholas believes that economically we are moving into a new era where prosperity is defined by the all-round quality of life rather than simply the amount we consume.

The Green Party is the party that best reflects his beliefs. This is the second time he has stood in the local elections and he is looking forward to providing the residents of the ward with a Green alternative.

Ken Miall (Conservative)

Ken Miall has lived in Earley for more than 25 years and is married with three children.

Ken believes residents benefit from a councillor who lives in their ward, and is proud to actively represent his own neighbourhood.

Ken has served on the Earley Town Council for six years, and has taken on the more demanding role of a borough councillor for the last two years, he now serves an active role on the Licensing, Neighbourhood Partnership, Scrutiny Management, Corporate Services Scrutiny and Sports Funding committees as well as working closely with residents groups including the Loddon Valley Residents Association.

Jacqueline Rupert (Labour)

Jacqueline is retired, having worked for many years at Reading College. She supports the tradition of local people ultimately controlling schools through their elected members on the local authority.

Jacqueline is also concerned about the provision of social support and welfare services, especially in the current climate of cuts, and wants to see that needs continue to be met.

Norreys

John Bray (Lib Dem)

John has lived in Wokingham Borough for nearly 23 years. He works in IT, and his hobbies include supporting London Irish. He is married to Prue Bray, the leader of the Lib Dem group on the council. This is the second year he has stood in Norreys.

Mary Gascoyne (Labour)

Mary has lived in Wokingham for more than 40 years and has two grown-up sons. She taught biology in local schools then became a teacher in a higher education college until her retirement. She now enjoys playing bridge. Mary is the widow of Eddie Gascoyne, a former Labour town councillor for Norreys.

Emma-Louise Hamilton (Green)

Emma-Louise lives in Woodley and has taught in a school in Wokingham for the past six years.

She understands that education is a vital tool and is particularly interested in developments in education policy and environmental issues, especially their relevance to local communities.

She believes that the Green Party is the only party equipped to respond effectively to the current economic and environmental crises and is glad to offer the option of a Green vote to residents of Norreys.

Keith Knight (UKIP)

“Wokingham born, I trained as a farrier at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, where I remained for 16 years finishing as a sergeant-farrier. For the past 20 years I have worked as a self employed farrier in the area.

My priorities are keeping the green belt around Wokingham and the front line services. Saying no to large unwanted over- development and returning power to local people by letting them decide major planning schemes, by use of referendums.

The European Union takes £45 million a day of our money. If like me, you want this used for national and local services, vote UK Independence Party.”

Malcolm Richards (Conservative)

Malcolm Richards has been a Norreys resident for more than 30 years.

He has served as a Norreys town councillor for three terms and was elected again in 2011. Malcolm is delighted to have been selected as the Conservative candidate at the 2012 elections.

He has worked internationally in the field of IT and business consultancy and also ran his own specialist software company. Malcolm takes a keen interest in the environment and planning, and is committed to delivering value for money for Norreys residents.

Robin Smith (Independent)

“Housing developers are fleecing the people of Wokingham.

“The council plan for development tells us we need more than 10,000 homes over 20 years.

"From this, developers will walk away with a cool £1 billion profit. I’ll be demanding developers release as much of this unearned income as Wokingham needs to prosper and grow.

"I’ll be working to change the law to make sure any remainder also goes to the people of Wokingham who create that extra value. Not an absentee developer. I’ll be in my tent at the Saturday Market Place to listen to concerns.”

Remenham, Wargrave & Ruscombe

Martin Alder (Lib Dem)

Martin Alder has worked for many years as a pilot for commercial airlines. He has lived in the area since 1988. Martin is married to a headteacher, and his two children both attended Wargrave Piggott School.

Martin has stood for the Remenham, Wargrave, and Ruscombe seat before, and would regard it as a great privilege to represent the residents of the ward on Wokingham Borough Council.

Matthew Dent (Labour and Co-operative)

“My campaign is predicated on local issues. Primarily, this means the blue bin bags and plans to privatise the libraries. Both show a disconnect between the council leaders and ordinary people.

If elected, my primary aim will be to make the council more accountable and responsive to the wishes of the people it represents. Politics only works when the public and its interests are at the centre of the decision-making process, which for too long hasn’t been the case. I have lived in Wargrave for the last five years, and work in journalism.”

John Halsall (Conservative)

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have been the borough councillor for Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe for the last nine months, as it has been to have been the chairman of Remenham Parish Council for more than 10 years. I was elected in the by-election last July and now seek support for the next four years.

"I stood because Remenham and Wargrave are different; they need a strong voice in far-away Wokingham, otherwise they can be easily forgotten or ignored. We have had nine different councillors in the last 11 years; I stood to give continuity.

"It is wonderful to reside in such a beautiful and delightful place, with amazing people, marvellous occasions, superb clubs, fantastic associations and a great community spirit. My family and I have happily lived here for 30 years, prior to that in Henley; my three children went to local schools.”

Shinfield South

Marjory Bisset (Green)

Marjory Bisset lives in Shinfield and is very involved in the local community. She is a Shinfield parish councillor, and is a governor of Shinfield Infant School. She has stood for the Green Party in the local council elections five times in Shinfield South, gaining second place last year, and also stood in the general election in 2010.

She works part-time as a copy-editor. Marjory is concerned to see more openness and transparency in government at the local level.

She supports the free school initiative in the ward.

She believes we must not lose sight of the bigger picture – the need to act now to keep the worst effects of global warming and depletion of natural resources at bay.

Charlotte Haitham Taylor (Conservative)

Charlotte has represented the Shinfield South Ward since May 2010. She is a 33-year-old professional artist with a long association with this area.

She moved here permanently six years ago when she married a local businessman and they have a three-year-old daughter. In these last two years Charlotte has worked vigorously on behalf of the community.

She has striven to get involved in all of the key decisions affecting the area – from fighting the planning appeal by The University of Reading, to championing many local groups and supporting the new free school.

Imogen Shepherd-Dubey (Lib Dem)

Imogen Shepherd-Dubey was born in Reading and went to school in Wokingham. She returned to the area nine years ago after living and working in London and abroad.

Her parents and other family have continued to live locally throughout this time. She works as an IT consultant and in her spare time she is involved in volunteer work for a selection of local charities.

She is also a very keen gardener. Imogen is very concerned about the over-urbanisation of the area, the consequential traffic problems and pressure on resources. She is also keen to ensure that services within the borough are maintained and that finances are used efficiently.

Twyford

James Ewan (Green)

A Twyford resident since 1987, Jim Ewan’s claim to fame is that he’s a survivor.

In his 71 years, he has seen innumerable booms and busts, successive Labour and Tory governments displaying short-termist policies, too many wars and the gradual devastation of the planet.

His priorities include more opportunity for residents’ opinions to affect what happens in our community, tighter control over residential housing development and an emphasis on energy-efficient housing, more affordable public transport and an increased number of sub-30mph zones in residential areas.

Lindsay Ferris (Lib Dem)

Lindsay has been a councillor representing Twyford on Wokingham council before, so he knows the ropes. He has been a governor of the Piggott School, and a Twyford parish councillor. Lindsay has campaigned with Stephen Conway and Dee Tomlin for a new library in Twyford village.

Richard Fort (Labour)

Richard, better known as James, Fort has lived in Twyford all his life and works as a solicitor in Slough. He served for over 20 years as a parish councillor, and chairman of the Polehampton Charities.

In addition, he has served for 23 years on the management committee of Twyford Youth Centre, and is a member of Twyford Cricket Club. Following his interest in local history, he has been a member of Twyford History Society, of which is chairman. He is also vice-chairman of Hurst Charities, which is responsible for the almshouses in Twyford.

He has a well-established track record of serving the people of Twyford.

Sam Hawkins (Conservative)

Sam Hawkins is married with two young children and has lived in Twyford for 20 years, having attended both Polehampton schools and The Piggott School.

He is passionate about representing Twyford, a village he loves. He would like to make it a safe and welcoming place for all.

The Hawkins is a sporting family: his father has coached tennis and football in Twyford and following in his father’s footsteps Sam played both youth and adult football. Sam has always been interested in politics and studied this at university.

Wescott

Stella Howell (UKIP)

U"KIP’s mission statement is ‘let the people decide’. This is appropriate, faced with the following grave concerns expressed by citizens. UKIP will investigate these matters which are ignored by government.

"Citizens live in atrocious instability whose health and lives appears to be targeted through pharmaceuticals/mercury in vaccines; GMO/GEO food; Chem-trails/bio-terrorism and polluted water.

"Furthermore, the stealth tax and trickery on CO2, surveillance and sustainability propaganda is unacceptable. I was also asked what happened to traditional medicine; Nikola Tesla’s discovery and Patent on free energy from air and water powered automobiles.

James Leask (Lib Dem)

A graduate of Nottingham University, James works in IT for a well-known major software company based locally. He has a young family.  He is currently a parish councillor in Winnersh.

Kazek Lokuciewski (Green)

Kazek Lokuciewski grew up in Ascot and has lived and worked in Wokingham since 2001. He works for a local manufacturing company producing multimedia.

He has always been concerned about the environment but recently joined the Green Party as a result of being impressed by their approach to economics.

His local concerns include the future of Elms Field, a valuable green space near the centre of the town. He believes that the council should halt further large-scale developments until the effects of those already finished can be assimilated by the local community. As a local councillor he would listen to the views of ward residents and act with complete transparency.

John Woodward (Labour)

John has lived in Wokingham for 20 years. He works for an information technology company and has previously taught history at secondary level.

He is standing for election because he thinks that Labour representation on the borough council is long overdue. John is married and has a teenage son who attends a local school.

Bob Wyatt (Conservative)

Bob came to Wokingham with his three children in the 1960s and has lived in Wescott ward ever since. Bob served on the original borough council from 1969, joining the new town council on its formation in 1983 and has served continuously as a Conservative since becoming a district member for Wescott in 1984.

He was town mayor in 1992 and district chairman in 2003. Bob is dedicated to Wescott ward and its residents, having been a governor of Westende and Wescott Infants school for many years. Bob is a trustee of Citizen’s Advice, Wokingham United Churches and Age UK.

Winnersh

Mark Ashwell (Conservative)

Mark is chairman of Wokingham Borough’s Business, Skills & Enterprise Partnership and director of the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Mark is 54 years old and has always been self employed – he’s been MD of his own company TradeMark Windows since 1993. Mark has been married to Sue for over 30 years and they have three grown up sons.

Mark is president of Wokingham’s football club and chairman of disabled children’s charity Building for the Future. Mark believes in community, government, education and business working together to create a great place to live, flourish and do business.

John Baker (Labour)

John has lived in the Wokingham area for 40 years. He is a retired civil servant with extensive experience in legal and financial matters. John would like to see more low-cost housing to help local people stay in the area. He is a volunteer at a local advice centre and a keen walker.

Tony Pollock (UKIP)

On leaving the RAF he went into the then youthful computer industry and later worked for such firms as Sperry Univac and Epson and then for his own company, Veren Computer systems.

He has lived in Winnersh for 30 years and has served as a parish councillor. He writes on constitutional matters and has published two books, ‘What is a Constitution’ and ‘A New Constitution for Britain’.

He joined the UK Independence Party because he believes that the future of Britain is endangered by our membership of the European Union.

Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey (Lib Dem)

Rachelle has lived in the area for the last eight years. She has had a variety of careers, from the Armed Forces through the medical field, to IT and psychotherapy.

She works for a youth and community charity and is interested in children’s education.

Rachelle is a Winnersh parish councillor, a member of the Winnersh Neighbourhood Action Group and has campaigned in Winnersh for a pedestrian crossing in Robin Hood Lane.

She is very concerned to improve safety and congestion at Winnersh crossroads. She lives in Winnersh and can often be seen on her local allotment.

Wokingham Without

Thomas Blomley (Green)

Tom Blomley has been a committed environmentalist all his professional life. He runs a company that provides advisory services to organisations all over the world on conservation, and in particular protection of rainforests.

Much of his time is spent working with environmental charities such as World Wildlife Fund and others. Given this global perspective, Tom is deeply concerned to see a move towards more sustainable lifestyles.

At a local level this means supporting recycling, energy efficiency and boosting local production of goods and foods. At a national level, this means developing models of growth that are built around principles of environmental and social sustainability.

This is the first time that Tom has stood for election and feels that his unique perspectives can provide a fresh alternative to mainstream politics in the ward.

Pauline Helliar-Symons (Conservative)

Pauline Helliar-Symons has lived in Wokingham Without for 27 years. She is an active and involved councillor who knows the ward and its interests.

Pauline is a member of the Friends of Heathlake and a Trustee of the Oakwood young people’s outdoor pursuits centre. She has been executive member for adult care and borough mayor and is currently chairman of the Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee, and vice chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Pauline was a deputy head at a Berkshire comprehensive school but now works as a management consultant, reviewing organisations for Investors in People training awards.

Elaine Spratling (Lib Dem)

Elaine has lived in the area 38 years and is well-known in the community. She has two grown up children who went to local schools.

Elaine has been a member and chairman of Earley Town Council, a former governor of a local primary school, and is currently chairman of Earley Volunteer Care Bureau and a trustee and volunteer at the Crescent Resource Centre. Elaine received the MBE in 2004 for services to the community.

Graham Widdows (UKIP)

“I have lived in Crowthorne Without for more than 40 years. This was a lovely area, surrounded by woods and farms. It is now rapidly becoming an urbanised area.

I firmly believe that local Government should be as the name implies, not merely be treated as another arm of whichever political party my be in government at the time.

I firmly believe any radical changes affecting the area should be made subject of a vote by the people who live and work here, by way of a local referendum. Our infrastructure is grossly overloaded. Plans are being put forward to close Heatherwood Hospital.

“We must move forward, providing suitable housing with properly thought out facilities. I will do everything in my power to preserve, restore and enhance the character of our town and the surrounding area.”

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