Labour in Wokingham hopes to beat the national trend and grow its small team at next week's council elections.
They currently have five councillors, mainly in Norreys and Loddon. Accountant Rachel Burgess, who chairs the council's audit committee, isn't up for election this time.
Incumbent Nagi Nagella is fighting hard in Norreys, which covers much of Wokingham town centre. He's pushed a "no shortcuts" approach - reporting potholes, fixing signs and tackling litter - and has raised concerns about GP provision at the Burma Hills Practice and issues for residents in new developments. He's also backed older residents in Acorn Drive who want to protect their plant pots, seats and local character.
Labour are hopeful Rona Noble can take Loddon in Woodley, campaigning on local infrastructure and giving residents a stronger voice at the council.
Andy Croy is standing in Bulmershe and Coronation. A long-standing local Labour figure, army reservist and accountant who grew up on a council estate, he focuses on road safety and set up a community speedwatch group.
Other Labour candidates are Isla Sykes (Barkham and Arborfield); Gopi Kolluru (Emmbrook); Annette Medhurst (Evendons); Jac Pluves (Finchampstead); Mark Craske (Hawkedon); Evan Ainsworth (Hillside); Mary Morris (Maiden Erlegh and Whitegates); Richard Mark McKenzie (Shinfield); William Gale (South Lake); Jacky Steele (Spencers Wood and Swallowfield); Stuart Crainer (Thames); Stuart Hooper (Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst); Tom Mayers (Westcott); Tim Jinkerson (Winnersh); and Tom Clark and Colin Heath for the two seats in Wokingham Without.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
