2023 Reading Green Party candidates

All Green councillors and candidates are working for a fairer, greener, more affordable town.

Greens did so well at the council elections last year that we overtook the Conservatives becoming the second largest party on Reading’s Labour-run council (32 Labour councillors, 7 Green, 6 Conservative and 3 Lib Dem). Labour have a very large majority of councillors but it is very close between Greens and Conservatives for second place.

Vote Green at the council elections on Thursday 4 May for hard work year-round but also to keep the Green Party ahead of the Conservatives as the main opposition party on Reading Council.

Get involved with the campaign. We will only win with your help.

The Reading Green Party mini manifesto for 2023 is here.

Abbey Ward candidate: Howard Darby
Howard Darby has lived in Reading for over 30 years. He has worked as a teacher. In his spare time, Howard volunteers for the Berkshire Wildlife Trust and enjoys cycling and walking.

Battle Ward candidate: Callum Harling
Callum Harling has lived in Battle Ward in Reading for 10 years. He has a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Reading University. He works for a trade union, and is passionate about environmental issues and making a difference in the community. In his spare time, he is a regular runner and volunteer at Prospect park run and also enjoys football.

Caversham Ward candidate: Mark Palmer
Mark Palmer is a retired engineer who’s been a happy Caversham resident since 1987. When not campaigning on a range of environmental, animal rights, refugee and European issues, he enjoys rambling, ham radio and fire-eating.

Caversham Heights Ward candidate: Danny McNamara
Danny McNamara has lived in Reading for over 30 years. He has worked in IT in the online fashion and financial services sectors. He is a member of Unite Community and Keep Our NHS Public. In his spare time, he is a keen folk music enthusiast.

Church Ward candidate: Brent Smith
Brent Smith has lived in Reading for over 30 years. He works with computers. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling. If elected, he will work for a proper segregated cycle network.

Coley Ward candidate: Isobel Hoskins
Isobel Hoskins has lived in Reading for over 30 years. She has worked in publishing. In her spare time, she enjoys walking in the Chilterns and conservation work.

Emmer Green Ward candidate: Wendy Rooke
Wendy Rooke lives in Emmer Green. Her work involves supporting people with their health and wellbeing. In her spare time she is a volunteer tree warden and enjoys open water swimming all year round, as well as exploring the local countryside on foot and by bike.

Katesgrove Ward candidates: Councillor Doug Cresswell
Full details here.

Kentwood Ward candidate: Caroline Hearst
Caroline Hearst has lived in Reading for 12 years. She works for AutAngel – an autistic run community interest company supporting autistic adults. When not working, she enjoys gardening.

Norcot Ward candidate: Richard Walkem
Richard Walkem has lived in Reading for over 11 years. Richard works as a teacher and treasurer for a local church. When not working, Richard enjoys exploring the words and parks with his children.

Park Ward candidates: Councillor Josh Williams and Sarah Magon
Full details here.

Redlands Ward candidate: Kate Nikulina
Full details here.

Southcote Ward candidate: Jamie Whitham
Jamie Whitham was born and raised in Reading. He is experienced as a councillor having represented Park Ward and Redlands Ward. Jamie works as a software engineer and outside of work enjoys cycling.

Thames Ward candidate: Mike Harling
Mike Harling has lived in Reading for ten years. He has worked for people with learning disabilities and managed a service supporting people with drug and alcohol dependencies. In his spare time, Mike is a keen park runner who also enjoys a good walk in nature.

Tilehurst Ward candidate: Gabriel Berry-Khan
Gabriel Berry-Khan has lived in Reading for over 11 years. He has worked in sustainability and now runs a small business. When not working, he enjoys spending time climbing, walking, and playing football.

Whitley Ward candidate: Kathy Smith
Kathy Smith has lived in the Reading area for ten years. Kathy has worked supporting children’s services. She spends her spare time growing fruit and vegetables. She also enjoys walking and holidays.