By-election Announced in Caversham Heights Ward

A by-election has been called in Reading after councillor Jenny McGrother stood down for personal health reasons.

McGrother was elected as the first Labour councillor for Caversham Heights in May 2024. Since then she served on three council committees and helped negotiate to keep the Number 22 bus service running.

No date has been set, but some parties have already named candidates. "Wrishi Basu is hoping to keep the seat for the Labour Party."

The Conservatives have selected Dave Luckett. The Liberal Democrats picked Jo Ramsay, who has had campaign support from Mike Giles, who was announced as his party's prospective parliamentary candidate for the Earley and Woodley constituency.

Councillor Dave McElroy said the Green Party is still choosing a candidate. It is unclear whether Reform UK has selected anyone.

McGrother's resignation was announced in a letter by Louise Duffield, the returning officer for Reading, on Thursday, October 8.

From May 2024 to this April, Caversham Heights was represented by Labour councillors McGrother and Sam Juthani and Conservative councillor Isobel Ballson. Mr Juthani vacated his seat ahead of this year's local elections, where Conservative councillor Saadia Sadaat was elected to replace him, and Ballson held her seat.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter