Very proud to be part of the
@RDGLabourCllrs
team yesterday supporting our fantastic candidates.
Particular congratulations to my friend
@LengMicky
for reelection in Whitley and of course the wonderful
@REDCaversham
on reelection in Thames.
#LocalElections2024
Iโm excited to confirm that Iโm applying to be the Labour candidate for Earley & Woodley, where Iโve been a councillor for the last 13 years.
I am delighted to have already received so much support.
To find out more and join my campaign please visit
I'm delighted to announce I'm on the shortlist to be Labour's candidate for Earley and Woodley.
Thank you to the unions, socialist societies and
@CoopParty
who have already backed me.
It's now down to local members - so do get in touch
While I was not selected as Earley and Woodley's parliamentary candidate last Saturday I remain so grateful to everyone who supported me. I will continue to serve the community in whatever way I can. I look forward to supporting Yuan Yang in her campaign.
Happy Christmas!
I've been so grateful to everyone who has supported me in my campaign to become Labour's candidate for Earley and Woodley.
THANK YOU.
We've built an amazing team together and there's now just 24 hours to go.
Let's make sure we're ready to win Earley and Woodley together.
It was a huge privilege to serve as the Mayor of Reading 2021-2023. I stepped down on Wednesday. Reading is a town of bridges not walls and at our best we are truly great. Now, more time for Whitley and for politics - speech here:
Coincidentally, given the developments last night, yesterday Reading Councillors unanimously passed a motion calling Thames Water in to account for themselves to a public committee meeting.
As councillors our patience has worn thin.
My speech (Thread 1/10)
After 13 years of Tory chaos, if we needed another reminder that we must have a change of government, we got it this week.
To do that we need to win in Earley and Woodley. When the time comes, Iโll be asking for your support to be Labour's candidate:
After 13 years of Tory chaos, if we needed another reminder that we must have a change of government, we got it this week.
To do that we need to win in Earley and Woodley.
When the time comes, Iโll be asking for your support to be Labour's candidate:
Fantastic to be part of the
@UniofReading
#ShowYourStripes
day.
Climate action starts with knowledge.
Really proud of the action we are taking as a community right here in Reading (and that the stripes were created here of course)
Over the coming days, I'll share why people support me to be Labour's candidate in Earley and Woodley.
My fellow Whitley Councillor
@LengMicky
says:
"Rachel has sincerity, knows the community and is ready to play an active part in a Labour government"
Fantastic to welcome
@TimLabour
Labour's Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for the Thames Valley to Whitley Wood and discuss the issues facing residents. He's keen to ensure tackling organised shoplifting is a police priority.
I'll be on BBC1 on Politics South from 10am: debating the chaotic reshuffle; Suella Braverman's sacking; the push for net-zero; and the long-term impact of flooding on communities
Reading FC is a vital part of our town.
Cllr Leader Jason Brook is right: "It is time for the government to step up but I think the professional game, both the English Football League and the Football Association, needs to ask some serious questions"
Very proud to be promoting
@Readingenergyco
as part of Reading Climate Festival - I'm so proud of the difference we're making.
Find out more about how you can get involved - as an investor, as a site or through applying for our community fund.
#ClimateAction
#Cooperatives
Proud to back the
@reading_labour
motion at full council tonight supporting
@SellBeforeWeDai
and calling for all possible action from the EFL towards developing a sustainable future for Reading FC and delivering a more robust model of football governance.
I've been so grateful to everyone who has supported me in my campaign to become Labour's candidate for Earley and Woodley.
THANK YOU.
We've built an amazing team together and there's now just 24 hours to go.
Let's make sure we're ready to win Earley and Woodley together.
๐Rail ticket offices will remain open!
โ This was a rushed consultation pushed by the government which would have damaged passengers in Reading, Earley and Woodley.
๐น Thank you to disability rights groups, trade unions and passengers for campaigning
Just had our regular councillors surgery. Always good to catch up with our friends at
@FidgetBob
Micky had to leave very promptly to get to the protest march to save Reading FC...
@STARReading
@LabourWhitley
Tonight TeamWhitley Ward at the Reading Borough Councillors AGM & I did a speech to thank our outgoing Mayor
@RachelEden
. Serving the community at all times ๐น
@LengMicky
Wonderful to be at the opening of the first Hong Kong community centre in the UK. It's right here in Reading ready to serve Berkshire
Delighted to celebrate the joyous mid-Autumn festival as well as catch up with friends old and new alongside councillors from across Reading
Absolutely lovely to catch up with the one and only
@stellacreasy
today at
@MattRodda
's summer social.
She's full of hope and gusto - never say all politicians are the same...
(
@JacopoLanzoni
what were you up to in the background tho?)
I am delighted to take on the role of Sue Ryder Thames Valley ambassador.
The amazing work they do in palliative care and supporting people who have been bereaved is more needed than ever.
If you'd like a talk or visit from an ambassador to your group please get in touch.
Thank you to
@DialogueSociety
in Woodley for inviting me to speak to your young people about getting involved with politics and democracy today
It's never been more important to listen to each other across our communities and your work is so important in that.
A really important evening discussing how we can bring together the communities across our new constitutency of Earley and Woodley. Building a caring community that celebrates our diversity, and noone left behind.
Thank you to
@EthiopianTable
for your wonderful food
Each year we raise our voices.
I'd like to think one day it won't be needed, but until then, we will keep campaigning to change the story:
No excuses for violence against women and girls.
Proud to march with my
@reading_Labour
sisters last night
#EndViolenceAgainstWomen
A massive thank you to everyone who attended the Reclaim The March tonight! And an even bigger thank you everyone who helped us organise it ๐
Lots of people marching to reclaim night and end sexual violence. It was incredibly empowering night but the work does not stop.
I'll be discussing Thames Water, homelessness and clinical trials on Politics South hosted by
@Peter_Henley
from 10am.
Proud to be representing
@SELabour
Lovely informal women's meet up for
@reading_labour
today.
Some great conversations and we agreed we want to do this again.
Thanks to the
@Rdng_bsct_fctry
for welcoming us
#RdgUk
Congratulations *Doctor*
@AliceMpofuColes
- a privilege to celebrate your huge achievement with friends from the community councillors and the Uni.
@LabourWhitley
I'm proud to be part of the National Executive Committee of Labour's Environment Campaign,
@serauk
, and I know that people across our area care deeply about the climate and biodiversity.
I'm delighted
@Serauk
are backing me to be the Labour candidate for Earley and Woodley
Morning - I'm at
#Lab23
and as promised a quick update.
- helped out with
@serauk
first event - women and the Environment
- heard Keir Starmer speak about how it's Labour who will bring the change we need
- now off of to the start of conference this morning
The Review of Parliamentary constituencies has been published.
Whitley will be part of a new consituency, Woodley and Earley, along with parts of 3 other old seats. I'm already working with colleagues across the area and looking forward to continuing
The PMโs announcement today is bad for the climate, bad for business, bad for residents in Earley and Woodley. The future of our planet depends on us taking action
#DoingNotDelaying
Absolutely gorgeous bit of rewilding in Woodley.
We spotted two gold finches in the flowers before I took a picture- and some amazing moths in our friend's garden too...
#Biodiversity
#UrbanNature
I've just published the text of my article for
@serauk
50th anniversary edition magazine New Ground: 'National Progress on the Climate Crisis needs local action' on my blog:
Out listening to residents in Whitley and Loddon Park today. Residents across Earley and Woodley want a better future and are ready for us to make our case for a Labour government.
#LabourDoorstep
Thank you to everyone out campaigning across Earley and Woodley today:
from Whitley to Loddon we're ready to win together.
@LabourWhitley
@WoodleyLabour
Lovely to see celebration of the tireless efforts of retail workers on
@UsdawUnion
's first National Retail Workers Day. But also worth supporting their campaign to remind everyone that abuse is not part of the job: be kind to the person helping you
#NRWD23
โค๏ธ
I'm at a meeting of Reading Council this evening starting with a petition on the national shortage of NHS dentists & a question from Ann Dally and Richard Tredgett on supporting the 4,000 households currently receiving 'legacy' benefits who will be moving to Universal Credit.
The idea that customers should foot the bill to pay for cleaning up our rivers is disgraceful
Over the past 13 years the Conservatives have allowed ยฃmillions to be siphoned off in dividends and bonuses.
Brilliant to be out campaigning for
@DannyBeales
in the Uxbridge by-election over the weekend with
@serauk
The very 1st resident I spoke to told me he was a Conservative voter who was switching to Labour because we need decency back in politics...
Really excited by the progress on the new Whitley Wood Community Centre. This is just the start - a new temporary building while we prepare for a permanent one. Councillors
@LengMicky
@DrAMpofuColes
and I will be continuing to ensure investment in our area
@LabourWhitley
๐ช๐ฝRAGE from
@jessphillips
on the
#RwandaBill
costing ยฃ169k per person, IF anyone is even ever deported, while child abuse victims are given ยฃ42 each.
"150 judges can be found suddenly down the back of the sofa, while rape victims wait seven years to get in front of a judge." ~AA
You don't need to wait for a Whitley Labour Councillor's surgery to get in touch with us but if you'd rather speak face to face do come along. Our next surgery is at the meeting point, Kennet Island 27th January 10.30-midday.
Really brilliant to be in the room earlier as
@CommunityUnion
@thefabians
@ProspectUnion
&
@bectu
launch their self employed manifesto with
@AngelaRayner
.
Feels like some genuine serious policy making to help workers and businesses who have been under the radar for too long.
Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the Forbury Gardens attacks
Reading will come together to remember James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett, & David Wails, & those injured on 20 June 2020
โก
#ReadingTogether
@OpenLabour
stands for transformative, left-wing politics and has endorsed me as the candidate for Earley and Woodley. I'm proud to have the backing of a group that looks outwards, is honest about political challenges and encourages an inclusive ethos within the Labour Party.
Whitley councillors supported the council chosing to make the home of Reading FC, an important part of our ward, an asset of community value.
It's a small step in protecting the club but we'll continue to stand up for fans.
@LengMicky
@DrAMpofuColes
We're very pleased to announce that the Select Car Leasing Stadium is now considered an Asset of Community Value.
A huge step in protecting the long-term future use of the stadium for
#readingfc
.
#SellBeforeWeDai
Read more here ๐๐ป
I've worked alongside
@unisontheunion
for many years to stand up for public services.
I'm proud they will be nominating me to be Labour's parliamentary candidate for Earley and Woodley.
@serauk
@CllrKen
@LisaTrickett41
Housing is a huge issue across Earley and Woodley, and Labour has the policies to solve the crisis.
I'm proud to have been endorsed as the parliamentary candidate for Earley and Woodley by
@LabourHousing
the socialist society developing housing policy within the Labour Party
The increase in shoplifting by 25% reflects what we know locally & in wider Earley and Woodley area โ this is a growing issue. Iโm backing the
@UsdawUnion
and
@CoopParty
โFreedom from Fearโ campaign โ a petition to parliament is here:
It was a pleasure to help out the hard working Loddon ward council candidates and town councillors yesterday by listening to residents
@WoodleyLabour
@EandWLabour
๐ฃToday is the last day the government is planning to consult on ticket office closures!
We need to invest in staff and ensure the railways continue to be welcoming for everyone, not running services down.
Don't miss out on having your say:
@ASLEFunion
I'm proud that my small business Holy Brook Associates is an accredited Living Wage Employer, committed to paying a wage based on the cost of living - it was our 6 year anniversary of accreditation yesterday
@LivingWageUK
@holybrookltd
If you're heading to
#Lab23
, visit the Environment hub -
@Serauk
has a massive conference programme: we'll discuss plans to ensure Labour government is transformational on the environment.
I'll be there a lot, but I am particularly keen to welcome you on Sunday at 2pm:
The
@LabourWhitley
Councillors have our next ward surgery tomorrow in Whitley Wood Community Centre.
Whether you got a flyer from us or not you're welcome to pop in and discuss any issues you want to raise
#RdgUK
I am so delighted to be the official
@CoopParty
nominee for Earley and Woodley.
It would mean a lot to me to make the first MP for Earley and Woodley Labour and Cooperative ๐๐๐
Today has been a lot.
It will take time to unpack all the emotion, info and connections from the Every Little Thing Festival.
#Eltfest
I am so proud of my friend Sinead and everyone who came together today for better mental health
#SuicidePrevention
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay
At council committee tonight we covered a huge range of issues including improved highways maintenence, the extension of the provision of housing maintence services for our neighbours in Wokingham and fire safety in tall buildings
All reports here:
As Whitley Councillors we've been working for this for a long time, residents of Green Park are really looking forward to being able to get a Sunday bus.
@LengMicky
@DrAMpofuColes
A new hourly Sunday bus service between south
#rdguk
and the town centre starts this weekend.
The 650 bus will serve Mereoak P&R, Green Park & other locations along the way to Station Road,.
And itโs FREE to use in December!
Find out more โถ๏ธ
7 years ago today Jo Cox MP was murdered.
Please join me in supporting The Jo Cox Foundation's work to build stronger communities, respectful politics and a fairer world in her honour. As Jo said, we have
#MoreInCommon
If we succeed the owners of Thames Water should be on notice: you have been ignoring residents and your own staff, failing to invest and not facing the consequences.
Step up, come and show yourselves responsible and accountable in public, and do the work. 9/10
I'm back from an amazing Labour Conference and just voted 'YES' to keeping the
@GMB_union
political fund. ๐ณ๏ธ
Voted YES to ensure GMB has a strong industrial and a strong political voice. โ
If you're not in a union, join one today!๐น
@gmbsouthern
Caring for our water supply should be a serious responsibility, not used as a cash machine.
Too often Thames Water have treated their custody of our water simply as a profiteering opportunity. 2/10
I believe we need a strong relationship with our European neighbours - and for our EU residents in Earley and Woodley to feel welcome.
Thank you to Labour for a European Future for your endorsement.
Beautiful weather for the Woodley carnival earlier today: lots of positivity helping out on the
@WoodleyLabour
stall.
Politics and our country is better than the Tory Westminster mess.
Excellent meeting with the team from
@RBFRSofficial
about their plans to improve the training centre for our fire fighters in Whitley Wood at
@WhitleyWoodFS
Thank you for showing us around and engaging with the community
@DrAMpofuColes
@LengMicky
Great news
@YvetteCooperMP
has just announced that Labour will stand with shopworkers, and introduce a new law and tougher sentences to end violence against shopworkers.
A great pledge worked for by
@CoopParty
,
@USDAW
,
@CoopUK
. ๐
Now we just need her as home secretary!
On
#ArmisticeDay
, we come together to pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our freedom and security and who never returned home to their loved ones. We will remember them.
#LestWeForget
@UsdawUnion
@UsdawSouthern
Thank you to
@Keeping4KW
for your support. He says "In 2019, Rachel campaigned hard and ensured the Labour vote held up against the incumbent MP in Reading West โ against the tide of the national picture. She has since been a splendid ambassador for the town as our Mayor"
On 20 October we gathered at Reading Town Hall to pay tribute to the wonderful and well-respected colleague, mother and wife - Reading councillor and deputy Mayoress, Colette Dennis. Thank you, colleagues and family members, for attending this heart-warming memorial service.
It's a good feeling delivering a thank you card from new Councilor Andrew Gray, elected in Shinfield North.
Not only is it a reminder of another
#Labourgain
in Earley and Woodley but he's already making his presence felt. 1/2
After the media discussion of Russell Brand I hope it helps more survivors of sexual abuse to seek support. It's why we campaigned for Trust House to open.
They take self referrals. Please share this link:
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will thank you.
One of the best things about my job is working with local charities.
Yesterday I was signing off
@ChemogiftbagsUK
's accounts.
Can't put a price on it but last year they won not one but TWO awards:
@PORawards
charity of the year &
@WoodleyCouncil
volunteer of the year
#Woodley
As a proud internationalist I know that working with our European allies matters for people's jobs, businesses and the environment across Earley and Woodley.
Thank you to
@labour4europe
for your nomination
@alexsobel
@serauk
I've stood with
@phi88
, outgoing chair of Reading Labour in solidarity so often.
I'm proud to have her support in standing for Earley and Woodley.
"I have known her as a community-focused campaigner, an inspiring councillor.. and I couldnโt think of a better representative"
Marked one year of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister by listening to residents in Shinfield.
Very clear it is time for a general election and a fresh start.
#LabourDoorstep
@Earley_Labour
Kennet Island surgery.
Had some pleasant conversations with residents.
Topical issues & case work to follow up on.
Cllrs had a bit of a ward catch up as well.
Thanks to PBM & Ama for arranging the key for us too.
Fidget & Bob takeaway tea ๐ต
Jobs a good un ๐น
Thames Water: As Councillors we will press for enforcement action now and a future Labour government will - hopefully in the not too distant future - be forced to take action. 10/10
@LabourEuropean
Thank you to
@rdg_elliott
for your support.
He says: "Rachel is the right person to represent the constituents of Earley and Woodley in Parliament. Rachel has been a fierce advocate for local people through her work as Mayor and is also a strong ally to the LGBT+ community."
The number of people (non parents obviously) who seem surprised or skeptical about child care shortages is amazing. It's a major issue for all of us though, as it contributes to a productivity crisis and labour shortage.
Even bigger challengefor SEND kids