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Local elections are coming up — 7 May 2026

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Councillor Candidate
Benjamin Francis Sims

Benjamin Francis Sims

Liberal Democrats candidate for Southcote

Liberal Democrats

Ben Sims is a technology entrepreneur who previously worked for the United Nations. He believes that individuals and communities know best what solutions will work for them, and will fight to ensure their voices are heard when the council takes decisions. In his spare time he enjoys exploring Reading and the surrounding countryside with his wife and young children. If elected, his priorities are getting a fair deal for Southcote residents and services, building the affordable housing we need, where we need it, and protecting our green spaces and woodlands from further development.

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Previous elections

Southcote (2024)

Liberal Democrats· Not elected

Coley (2023)

Liberal Democrats· Not elected

Coley (2022)

Liberal Democrats· Not elected

Minster (2021)

Liberal Democrats· Not elected

Leyton and Wanstead (2019)

Liberal Democrats· Not elected

Bow East (2018)

Liberal Democrats· Not elected

Leyton and Wanstead (2017)

Liberal Democrats· Not elected

Southcote Ward

Where Benjamin fits into things

Reading Central

Constituency

Southcote

Ward

Benjamin Francis Sims

Benjamin Francis Sims

Candidate

Southcote

About the role

The responsibility of a councillor is to represent the people within a ward by making decisions on local services and other local issues.

What councillors do

  • Make decisions on local services like housing, roads, and parks
  • Represent residents' concerns at council meetings
  • Help resolve local issues raised by constituents
  • Set council budgets and local tax levels

How to influence

  • Attend local council surgeries
  • Write or email about local issues
  • Attend public council meetings
  • Join local community groups

Council

Reading