Next week's local elections could flip Wokingham Borough Council. The Liberal Democrats run the council with a majority of one: 27 Lib Dems, 19 Conservatives, five Labour and two independents who were originally Labour. A small swing could hand control to Pauline Jorgensen's Conservatives.
The Lib Dems took power in 2022 under Clive Jones, initially in coalition with Labour and independents, and inherited controversial plans like the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location and Barkham Solar Farm. Leadership now sits with Professor Stephen Conway, whose administration has a strongly environmental focus.
That shows in moves such as rebranding highways as "active travel and highways", pushing 20mph limits, prioritising cyclist safety and trying to cut the carbon impact of big developments.
Election fights are five-way across the borough. Centre-left voters can pick Lib Dems, Labour or Greens; centre-right support is split between Conservatives and Reform UK.
The Conservatives are targeting Finchampstead (where Peter Harper faces a tough Lib Dem challenge), plus wards in Earley, Woodley, Loddon and Hillside. Doorstep feedback flagged frustration with "anti-car policies", poor roads and worries about spending and development plans.
Recent results show how tight this is. Polling points to Conservative gains in Norreys, Shinfield, Loddon and Bulmershe, with Lib Dems favoured elsewhere - but turnout will decide. Participation hit nearly 40% in May 2024 and could fall to about 20-25% this time.
"What happens on election day in a local election is all about the difference between who could vote and who actually shows up. The group that shows up has all the power. The group that stays home effectively doesn't exist on election day."
Labour is focusing on Norreys, Shinfield and Loddon. Nagi Nagella defends Norreys and the party is upbeat about Rona Noble in Loddon. There are also signs of rising support for Reform UK and the Greens, especially in South Lake.
The Lib Dems are defending councillor and former mayor Carol Jewell, with the 20mph debate in Woodlands Avenue adding extra tension. One canvasser predicted Conservative holds in Bulmershe and Coronation, a Labour win in Loddon and a potential Green gain in South Lake - underlining how unpredictable the vote could be.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
