Meet your Reading 2021 election candidates (central)

We’ve split the 16 wards up into fours. Here are your candidates for the wards in and near to the town centre (Abbey, Minster, Battle, Katesgrove).

You can view all the candidates here.

Abbey

READ MORE: Local election 2021 swing seats: The wards in Reading that could be most closely fought

David Cozens (Conservative)

David Cozens Conservative Abbey

“I’ve lived in Reading for nearly 20 years and I want to be your councillor because I believe my problem-solving expertise as an engineer means I can help our town to grow and work through many of the issues it faces that have been caused by the current Labour leadership.

“Reading is home to my children and my parents. I want Reading to be safe for everyone, a town that offers things to do for both young and old.”

Howard Darby (Green)

“Howard Darby is the candidate for Abbey Ward where he has lived for more than 40 years. Howard is a retired structural engineer, a keen cyclist and regular volunteer for Berkshire Wildlife Trust. If elected Howard would work hard all year round to protect and encourage wildlife in the borough, to campaign for sustainable development and improved cycling facilities and to support residents in need.”

Tony Page (Labour)

Tony Page Labour Abbey

“Councillor Tony Page is the Labour candidate for Abbey ward.  He has served on Reading Council as a Labour councillor since 1973, without break. Since 2008, he has been deputy leader of Reading Borough Council and lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport. If re-elected, he pledges to secure more genuinely affordable housing with new development and work with residents and police to tackle anti-social behaviour.”

Anne Thompson (Liberal Democrats)

Anne Thompson Abbey Lib Dems

“Anne is an editor and translator, who lives and works in Abbey. Her involvement in community service, including in the past as a trade union rep here in Reading, reflects her commitment to fairness and equal opportunity. She is keen to help the town become more liveable, sustainable and accessible to all.”

Battle

Yemi Awolola (Independent)

Yemi Awolola, Battle Independent candidate

“I am standing as an independent candidate for Battle ward in next month’s local elections and the following is what I stand for: Support for local businesses *Unequivocal support for the family *Guaranteed housing for people leaving prison and rough sleepers *Moral education *Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour *Preserving green spaces. And I am against the following: *Compulsory vaccination *Vaccine passport *Enforced Church closure *Increasing parking charges *Downsizing wheelie bins.”

Michael Hey (Conservative)

Michael Hey Conservative Battle

“Michael Hey is standing for Battle ward.  He is keen to see council taxpayer’s money spent wisely and if elected would champion the need for investment in our roads and public transport.  Too many roads across Battle ward have potholes and this makes it challenging for drivers and cyclists.  Flytipping is another big issue Michael would be keen to tackle if elected.”

Gul Khan (Labour)

Gul Khan Labour Battle

“Councillor Gul Khan is the Labour candidate for Battle ward, where he has been a councillor since 2008.  Cllr Khan has previously been Mayor of Reading and is currently chair of the Older People’s Working Group.  Gul is a well-respected and hard-working councillor for Battle ward and pledges to continue to lobby for Reading West station to be fully accessible and ensure that a 20mph speed limit is brought in for Battle ward’s side streets.”

John Grout (Lib Dem)

John Grout Lib Dems Battle

“Dr John Grout has lived in Reading for 14 years and works in the telecoms industry, having previously studied archaeology and served as a governor of a Battle ward primary school.  If elected, his priorities will be to minimise homelessness in our Borough, and to improve the state of its roads and paths for all users.  He is keen to increase participation in local democracy.”

Sarah Watchman (Green)

"Sarah Watchman is the Green Party candidate for Battle Ward. She has lived in Reading for 15 years. Sarah works in IT and likes to spend time in the great outdoors. If elected Sarah would work for safer roads and promote health through better walking and cycling facilities."

Katesgrove

Louise Keane (Green)

Louise Keane Green Katesgrove

Louise Keane is the candidate for Katesgrove Ward where she has lived since 2003 when she first came to Reading as a student. She finished in second place at the last council elections for Katesgrove Ward and it will be between her and Labour this time. Louise is a Social Worker and loves animals and music and is involved in the local music scene in Reading. If elected Louise would continue to work hard all year round to supporting residents in need, tidying up Katesgrove and improving the Whitley Street area. She is also passionate about improving health and social care in the town.

Margaret McNeill (Liberal Democrats)

Margaret Mcneill Katesgrove Lib Dems

“Margaret retired to Reading 12 years ago and she loves living in such a vibrant town.  Margaret wants to join the council to work for equality and fair treatment for every resident, wherever they come from and wherever they live in Reading.  She will be a strong voice for Katesgrove.”

Jean-Louis Pascual (Independent)

We were unable to get in touch with Jean-Louis Pascual, who has previously run in Reading for his own party, the Roman Party.

Abdoulaye Sow (Conservative)

Abdoulaye Diouma Sow Conservative Katesgrove

“Living and running a business in Reading for the last five years has given me the opportunity to come into contact with lots of the town’s residents from all walks of life. It’s given me a great understanding of local issues and what matters most to the people of Reading.

“Having made Reading my home and settled down to raise a family here, I decided to get involved in the local community.

“As a result, I have a strong local network of family, friends and business partners. It would now be an honour to serve as a ward councillor for Katesgrove as it would give me the opportunity to serve my community even more.”

Rose Williams (Labour)

Rose Williams Labour Katesgrove

“Councillor Rose Williams is the Labour and Co-Operative party candidate for Katesgrove ward.  Cllr Williams is a much-loved former Mayor of Reading and is the vice-chair of the Access and Disabilities Working Group.  If re-elected she pledges to encourage more bus and cycle use to improve the air quality of our town and to support local schools to ensure the children of Katesgrove receive a good quality education.”

READ MORE: Which party would gain the most from a change to Proportional Representation?

Minster

Isobel Hoskins (Green)

We have not yet received information about Green Party candidate Isobel Hoskins.

Alanzo Seville (Conservative)

Alanzo Seville Conservative Minster

“Alanzo Seville is standing for Minster ward.  He believes that for too long the views of Minster residents haven’t been listened to by Labour-run Reading Borough Council.  If elected he would be the voice of the local community, standing up local people against inappropriate development.  If elected, he would be their voice at Reading Borough Council, working to help the community he was elected to serve.”

Benjamin Sims (Lib Dem)

Ben Sims Minster Lib Dems

“Ben Sims is a technology entrepreneur who previously worked for the United Nations.  He believes that individuals and communities know best what solutions will work for them, and will fight to ensure their voices are heard when the council takes decisions.  In his spare time he enjoys exploring Reading and the surrounding countryside with his wife and baby daughter.”

Liz Terry (Labour)

Liz Terry Labour Minster

“Councillor Liz Terry is standing as the Labour and Co-Operative candidate for Minster ward.  Cllr Terry is the current lead councillor for Children’s Services and was integral to its recent improved OFSTED rating and ensuring Reading families were supported during the pandemic.  If re-elected she pledges to consult on the things that matter to Minster residents and report back to residents on the work she has been doing locally.”