A POLITICAL party is looking for candidates to stand in Reading in the forthcoming local elections.
Stephen Graham, who has represented the party in Norcot Ward since 2016, is asking people to contact him to discuss the opportunity.
This year’s local elections are an all-out situation, due to boundary changes, meaning every seat is up for grabs.
The Liberal Party – distinct from the Liberal Democrats – are hoping it can put forward a full slate of candidates for the electorate.
Mr Graham said: “We would like to hear from people who are passionate about the area and want to make a difference in Reading.
“The Liberal Party believes in communities and aims to support and represent them on key issues affecting local life.”
The party’s website states: “The Liberal Party exists to build a liberal society in which every citizen shall possess liberty, property and security, and none shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.
“[The party’s] chief care is for the rights and opportunities of the individual and in all spheres it sets freedom first.”
Mr Graham was keen to stress candidates don’t need to have experience in politics or align with every word of their manifesto.
“You are not expected to agree with all of the policies set out but if you endorse most of them, and feel up for the task, then we would invite you to contact us,” he explained.
The deadline to get involved is approaching and applications must be submitted to Mr Graham by Friday, March 4.
Mr Graham estimates the role will require ‘a few hours per week’ to attend local planning and council meetings as well as dealing with correspondence.
Scheduled for Thursday, May 5, the all-out election will see 48 councillors elected across 16 wards to make up Reading Borough Council.
There are currently 30 Labour councillors, nine Conservatives, five Green Party seats and two Liberal Democrats making a total of 46.
The increase to 48 is a result of boundary changes within wards, which was announced in 2020.
n Anyone interested in discussing the opportunity of representing the Liberal Party, can send an email to the party: stephen.grahamg5@gmail.com
