 Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates by-election result
Residents in Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates Ward voted in a by-election yesterday (Thursday 5 June).
The votes were counted overnight as soon as the polls closed at 10pm and the result was as follows:
- Andy Croy (Labour) – 793 votes
- Sara Gillman (Trade Unionist & Socialist Party) – 17 votes
- Guy Grandison (Conservative) – 788 votes
- Andrew Harris (Reform UK) – 486 votes
- Samuel Langlois (Green) – 180 votes
- Mike Smith (Liberal Democrats) – 1,028 votes (Elected)
There were 3,300 ballots and the turnout was 39.95%.
As a result of the by-election, the number of councillors for each party is as follows:
- Liberal Democrats – 28
- Conservative – 19
- Labour – 6
- Independent – 1
In addition to the vacant seat on the borough council, there was also a by-election for Redhatch Ward on Earley Town Council.
The result was as follows:
- Evan Ainsworth (Labour) – 88 votes
- Guy Grandison (Conservative) – 137 votes
- Alison Newton (Liberal Democrats) – 164 votes (Elected)
There were 395 ballots and the turnout was 41.75%.
Visit our current elections pages for more information. You can check who your local councillors are on our website.
 What matters to you in next year's budget
We’ve opened the first stage of our consultation on how we plan to spend money in 2026/27.
This is your chance to influence where your Council Tax goes and help shape the borough’s priorities.
While much of our funding must go towards services we’re legally required to provide, there are areas where we have more flexibility - known as discretionary services. This consultation looks at how we could make savings in these areas or generate additional income.
Last week, we shared an overview of our current financial position and how our services are funded.
 Get ready to Party in the Park - twice!
There are two huge community events happening in the borough in the next few weeks.
Wokingham’s Party in the Park is from 3pm to 9pm at Elms Field this Saturday (7 June), with free entry.
Organised by Wokingham Town Council, more than 4,000 people attended last year's event and it promises to be even bigger this year.
In addition to the entertainment, there will be lots of street food vendors, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic. Follow the event page to get the latest information.
Next weekend (Saturday 14 June) sees Woodley Carnival and Party in the Park returning to Woodford Park.
More than 6,000 people attend annually, with tickets priced at £5 for daytime only or £13 for combined afternoon and evening entry.
There will be lots of stalls, live performances and free attractions. You can find out more about the attractions and ticket information on the Woodley Carnival website.
We expect car parks around both towns to be busier than normal due to these events, so walk or cycle if you can.
Image credit – Wokingham Aerial Photography
 Support local causes with community lottery
Tickets are now for sale for the Wokingham Borough Community Lottery, which raises money for good causes across the area.
What makes our community lottery different is you can choose which local good cause you support when you play.
Tickets cost £1 a week with a top prize of £25,000. There is a minimum play for one month.
From every £1 ticket sold, 60p will go to good causes in Wokingham Borough.
The first draw takes place on Saturday 28 June. Then it will be a weekly draw every Saturday evening. Match all six numbers and you win the jackpot, even if there’s more than one winner.
Not-for-profit organisations such as a charity, community group, society or club, can apply to register as a good cause and raise money for their community projects on the community lottery website.
 New waste collection contract awarded
We’ve appointed Biffa as the borough’s new contractor for waste and recycling collection and street cleansing, starting from 1 June 2026.
The new contractor will not change how collections work.
If residents will see any changes, such as an adjustment to their collection day, they will be contacted directly in advance with full details.
Waste and recycling will continue to be collected on alternate weeks, with existing wheeled bins or blue bags for rubbish, and green reusable bags for recycling. Food waste will continue to be collected weekly in the smaller black caddies.
The contract will also include new vehicles with advanced in-cab technology, making collections more effective and efficient.
The street cleansing service includes street sweeping, litter collection, fly-tipping removal and graffiti removal.
What you might have missed
Here’s all our email newsletters from the last week:
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