Indie is way for Mark's MP bid

Published 30 Jan 2010 16:00 0 Comments

See also:

A BUSINESSMAN is hoping to make history and challenge the 22-year reign of the current Wokingham MP at the next election.

Mark Ashwell, owner of TradeMark Windows in Fishponds Road, said he decided to run as an independent candidate following his experience last May when he joined the Conservatives in a bid to be considered for Bracknell MP.

After becoming disillusioned with the party, he decided to stand independently for the town he lives in and hopes to topple current Wokingham MP John Redwood, who was first elected in 1987.

He intends to work tirelessly to get the business sector, local government and the community to work together more, as he believes that this is where the real strength in Wokingham lies.

Mr Ashwell added: "Wokingham is considered a safe seat and if you go to the polls and vote any other than the Conservatives you have wasted your vote."

He said that he hoped to offer an alternative to voters who want to change their MP.

Mr Ashwell revealed how pleased he was that defence secretary Bob Ainsworth appeared to let the cat out of the bag last weekend by confirming the general election for May 6.

He said: "I'm absolutely relieved, because trying to put together a campaign when you don't know the start point is very unnerving, but now I have the finish line in sight."

If Mr Ashwell were to win he would defy the odds because all recent independents who have won seats have done so because opposition candidates from at least one of the main parties have stepped aside. However, this will not be the case in Wokingham.

This article appeared in Villager 28 Jan 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @bracknellnews