Wokingham MP Clive Jones has been accused by his predecessor, Conservative peer Baron John Redwood, of "murdering the English language" as campaigning for the 2026 borough council elections begins.
In a letter to postal voters Mr Jones wrote: "Over the last few months, me and my colleagues... have been talking to thousands of you about the issues that matter to you."
Lord Redwood seized on the phrasing and launched a wider attack on the Liberal Democrat-run council, saying its campaign literature offers "nothing" and accusing it of financial mismanagement.
He singled out highways and infrastructure, calling the £5.5 million California Crossroads scheme a "disaster" that "painted leaves" on the road and caused months of disruption to local businesses.
"There is no apology for letting a record number of bad potholes damage our roads and cars," he said, warning delayed repairs raise long-term costs and criticising the council for prioritising "solar farms and road worsening schemes" over basic maintenance like clearing drains and removing graffiti.
The Conservatives are framing the election around council tax and spending, pointing to a "maximum permitted Council tax rise" and rising municipal debt. "It would be easy for the Council to spend less and spend better than the Lib Dems," Lord Redwood said.
He also attacked Mr Jones personally, saying the MP has failed to challenge grant reductions or defend green fields and suggesting he should "work harder himself" rather than rely on staff.
Dismissing talk of a Conservative-Reform coalition, Lord Redwood said the Conservatives are the only force capable of "cleaning the place up" and urged voters: "It is essential we elect a new Council to protect our green spaces and greatly improve the roads," adding, "That requires a Conservative Council after the spendthrift neglect of the Lib Dem years."
When Wokingham voters go to the polls next month, we will find out whether they agree.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
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