Published: Friday, 7th March, 2008 8:00am

Tories announce their team

by Adam Hewitt

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THE CONSERVATIVES have unveiled their slate of candidates for May's vital local elections which could finally topple Labour from power.

And unlike Labour, which is losing many of its best-known names after years of domination of Reading politics, no Tory councillors are stepping down this year.

Former Lib Dem candidate Ali Asghar is standing for the Conservatives in Redlands ward, and five-year Labour councillor Azam Janjua jumped ship to the Tories last year.

He said: "The Conservatives are standing up for the people of Reading and I hope that I will once again have the opportunity to represent the residents of Church ward."

Cllr Isobel Ballsdon will stand again in Thames ward, a Tory stronghold where it got four times more votes than its nearest rivals in 2007.

And former leader Cllr Fred Pugh is running again in Mapledurham.

Mike Townend and Paul Swaddle, the chairmen of Reading East and Reading West Conservatives respectively, said: "We are absolutely delighted to present candidates across Reading with an amazing diversity of backgrounds, experiences and talents - people from every walk of life who are committed to doing their utmost to serve local people.

"With these candidates we will build on our success of last year and look forward to the Conservatives setting the agenda in Reading after May 1."

The Tory Hopefuls:

● Abbey - Andrew Waters: International telecommunications.

● Battle - Ali Asghar: Runs a Reading taxi firm.

● Caversham - Dave Luckett: Works in IT and campaigns on traffic issues.

● Church - Azam Janjua: Former Labour councillor who has lived in Reading for 40 years.

● Katesgrove - Nick Allen: A history student at Reading University and campaigner on the environment and post office closures.

● Kentwood - Emma Warman: Works in financial services in London, and campaigns on transport issues.

● Mapledurham - Fred Pugh: Veteran of Reading politics for 30 years, 10 as Tory group leader.

● Minster - Philip Webb: Long-term Reading resident who wants to tackle widespread graffiti and vandalism.

● Norcot - James Cox: Planning consultant hoping to speak for the young people of Reading.

● Park - Martyn Washbourne: Consultant transport planner and environmental campaigner.

● Peppard - Jamie Chowdhary: High-profile Reading businessman.

● Redlands - Laurence Taylor: Works in IT and has campaigned on parking, anti-social behaviour and post office closures.

● Southcote - Alan Hawkins: Tutor at Reading University and a former engineer. Campaigned against closure of Southcote post office and proposals to build on flood plains.

● Thames - Isobel Ballsdon: First elected in 2006, known as a campaigner on primary school admissions and Kings Meadow.

● Tilehurst - Sandra Vickers: Former dinner lady and school secretary in Tilehurst.

● Whitley - James Wyman: Recent Reading University graduate and at 23, one of the youngest candidates in this year's elections.

For more stories and your full round up of what's happening in Reading you can purchase the e-edition of the Reading Chronicle click here.