A complete lack of trust

Not being a statistician I will leave it for the experts to run the slide rule over the Election results but from a simpler view this is how I saw it.

Brexit or not was the question? I do think it was a combination of Brexit and a complete lack of trust in the current Conservative administration at Wokingham Borough who have ruled the roost continuously for the past 20 years.

I would add they still do, but with a reduced majority.

The Conservative ideology of power first and me, me, me with residents second or even third hit the buffers last Thursday.

This ideology, supported by their Executive (Politburo) bully boy tactics and three-line whip imposed on its back benchers under threat of disciplinary action if anyone dares to stray, is as far as possible from democracy as it’s possible to be.

It was not all Brexit.

Back to the election itself which saw the Leader, three of his ruling executive and the Chair of planning all lose their seats by a massive total of about 2,600 votes.

The Conservatives hung on to four other seats by 250 votes in total and even the Mayor who last time out had

a majority of 1,245 votes ended up this time with a reduced majority of just 66. The message is clear for all to see. The best form of Consultation residents have – and the only one Conservatives might understand – was how they voted last Thursday in very large numbers.

The Conservatives still run the council but it will be interesting to see if it will be head in sands and put it all down to Brexit or will leopards actually change their spots? I doubt it but if they don’t then roll on next May.

Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield