Six Candidates Vie for Caversham Council Seat

Six candidates will contest a by-election in Caversham Heights, Reading, after Labour councillor Jenny McGrother stood down in October for health reasons.

Labour's Wrishi Basu, a Royal Berkshire Hospital volunteer, hopes to hold the seat. He said: "If elected, I will build upon the good work the Labour-run council has done in the area and ensure that the priorities of Caversham Heights residents are acted upon. Their priorities include increasing the road-safety measure on Kidmore Road, Surley Row and Rotherfield Way; extending the road resurfacing work; and improving the pavements."

Basu added: "The Pink-22 bus service has recently been saved due to the combined efforts of our Labour MP Matt Rodda, the Labour-led council and the council-owned Reading Buses."

Conservative challenger Dave Luckett, a former councillor, said: "Caversham has been my home for over 20 years. It's where we're raising our daughter, and I care deeply about its future."

Clarence Mitchell, who left the Conservatives for Reform UK in January, said: "As someone who is extremely proud to live in Caversham Heights, I am committed to making sure that the voice of our vibrant community is fully heard when the decisions that affect us most are being made in the council chamber."

Adil Khan stands for the Green Party and said: "Having grown up and living in Caversham, intimately bound to its parks and river, I would like to give back to the community that raised me."

Dr Jo Ramsay is the Liberal Democrat candidate. She said: "Having grown up and living in Caversham, intimately bound to its parks and river, I would like to give back to the community that raised me." Her priorities include protecting green spaces and improving adult and healthcare services.

Tom Hadow represents Restore Britain, the party launched this year by MP Rupert Lowe. The party has gained headlines locally after Mr Lowe, an alumnus of the University of Reading, highlighted the ethnic demographics of Reading School.

The by-election will take place on Thursday, November 26.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter