Reading Green Party candidates
All Green councillors and candidates are working for a fairer, greener and cleaner town.
Greens did so well at the council elections recently 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 and so more Labour councillors won’t make any difference.
Vote Green at the council elections on Thursday 2 May for hard work year-round and for a strong main opposition party holding the Labour-run council to account for their actions.
Get involved with the campaign. We will only win with your help.
The Reading Green Party manifesto is here.
Abbey 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.
Battle Ward candidate: Tahira Kulsoom
Tahira Kulsoom has lived in Reading since she was 3 years old. She has worked in various roles with the aim to empower people to use their voices including council, social housing and currently campaigning. In her spare time she helps her mum and community in ways she can.
Caversham Ward candidate: Anthea West
Anthea West has lived in Reading for six years. She has worked in adult education and training. She spends her spare time walking by the River Thames, playing killer sudoku, and socialising with friends.
Caversham Heights Ward candidate: Danny McNamara
Danny McNamara has lived in Reading for well over a decade. 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 well over a decade. 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 well over a decade. 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: Kate Nikulina
Kate Nikulina has lived in Reading for many years. She works in logistics. In her spare time she volunteers teaching English to Ukrainian refugees. Kate first stood in Katesgrove in 2022 and has been working hard since.
In Katesgrove Ward the Green Party won the last two years and this year will be close between Green and Labour again. The Labour councillor is standing down.
Kentwood Ward candidate: Caroline Hearst
Caroline Hearst has lived in Reading for over a decade. 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 a decade. Richard works as a teacher and treasurer for a local church. When not working, Richard enjoys exploring the woods and parks with his children.
Park Ward candidate: Councillor Sarah Magon
Councillor Sarah Magon has lived for well over a decade. Sarah has many years of experience working locally in the NHS and more recently as a teacher. In Sarah’s spare time, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family.
In Park Ward the Green Party has been electing councillors since 2010. This year it will be close between the Green Party and Labour again.
Redlands Ward candidates: Councillors David McElroy
Councillor Dave McElroy has lived in Reading for many years. He has been a Redlands Councillor for the last three years. In his spare time he enjoys cinema, cycling and spending time with his family.
In Redlands Ward the Green Party has two out of the three councillors. This year it will be close between the Green Party and Labour again.
Southcote Ward candidate: Josie Downey
Josie was born and raised in Reading, and after some adventures and years further afield, made her way back to the town in 2021. She works as a digital designer, and in her spare time enjoys gardening and DIY at home, yoga and seeking out great coffee and/or antiques shops!
Thames Ward candidate: Mike Harling
Mike Harling has lived in Reading for over a decade. 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 a decade. 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 many years. Kathy has worked supporting children’s services. She spends her spare time growing fruit and vegetables. She also enjoys walking and holidays.