Candidates from three political parties are vying for votes in a by-election in the Great Hollands South ward of Bracknell Town Council.

Voters are selecting one candidate for the town council, which has 26 members. It is made up of 21 Conservatives, 4 Labour party members and a lone Liberal Democrat, Councillor Thomas Parker.

One of the seats for Great Hollands South is currently vacant. Great Hollands South ward has three seats on the council, and is currently represented by Councillors Lizzy Gibson (Conservative) and Michael Gbadebo (CON). Both of them also serve on Bracknell Forest Council. Cllr Gbadebo was also elected Deputy Mayor of the borough on Wednesday, April 28. Therefore voters will be going to the polls to elect a new member.

READ MORE: Bracknell Mayor and chairmen elected in annual meeting

You can vote by post, proxy or in person at Great Hollands Community Centre, The Square, Wordsworth.

The vote will take place on Thursday, May 6. The polling station will be open from 7am to 10pm.

You can see the candidates for the current election in surname alphabetical order below.

James Alexander (Conservative)

Bracknell News:

Mr Alexander said: “My family and I have lived in Bracknell for eight years, after arriving in the area in 1996 from my native Motherwell. As a father of five children, I believe that Bracknell is a great place for a family to grow and flourish because of:

  • The abundance of natural green spaces for our children to grow,
  • The high standards of primary and secondary education;
  • The diversity of sporting and leisure facilities;
  • The regenerated vibrant town;
  • The transport links that support our growing local economy;

“As an armed forces veteran, I have served our country for 10 years, across the globe, on peacekeeping duties, humanitarian missions and operational conflicts. I have tremendous pride in the work carried out by our men and women of the Armed Forces. It was a privilege and an honour to carry out those duties.

“I support and champion several charities and community initiatives including as homeless and wounded veteran charities, cancer relief and Air Ambulance appeals.

“I now wish to take more direct, active involvement in the functioning of our town, supporting our community and helping to ensure Bracknell has a great future by becoming the Bracknell Town Councillor for Great Hollands South.”

Derek Florey (Green Party)

Bracknell News:

Mr Florey said: “I am delighted to have the chance to stand in this by-election. A key Green Party policy for me is to ensure that all decisions take into account current and future generations and place the local community at the heart of decisions. Supporting and developing the councils climate change policies is important to me.

“Listening to views and keeping everyone informed, this I promise to do, alongside being an advocate for all our town has to offer.

“Bracknell has been my home for over 30 years and I’d love the opportunity to work alongside council members to serve Great Hollands South on the council.”

Lucy Young (Labour Party)

Bracknell News:

Lucy Young has lived in this ward, in Southwold, for the past 20 years. Her four children have grown up enjoying these local play areas, green open spaces, and woods.

As Lucy walks the ward, she spots the issues and shares the concerns- parking, fly-tipping, litter.

She is passionate about the area and ensuring high maintenance standards are kept.

Lucy’s day job as a Family Support Advisor is to support, advise and signpost parents- finding solutions. Excellent skills for a Bracknell Town Councillor.

Lucy would like to see more provision and play equipment for older children.

She supports all efforts to make the Council Carbon neutral and increasing biodiversity.

She is a great supporter of South Hill Park Arts Centre.

Lucy has a lot to offer and pledges to be accessible, to listen and to act.