| After months of rumours, three independent candidates from Newbury have put themselves up for West Berkshire Council’s May 3 election with the hope of carrying on former mayor Mike Rodger’s apolitical role in local government.
Nominations closed on Wednesday, and amid parties like the BNP, UKIP, Labour and the Greens, Lee Harris and Dave Yates are standing in Northcroft ward, while Philip Parry is standing in the town centre ward of Victoria, all as independents.
Rumours of a Stop the Vision Coalition failed to materialise, but it’s understood some of the independents have been partially motivated to stand by the extensive redevelopment of Newbury town centre.
The contest should prove particularly interesting in Northcroft where ex-soldier Dave Yates is standing against his partner, Conservative candidate Charlie Farrow, and against his former Army boss, Lib Dem Tony Vickers.
The council is currently Conservative controlled with 27 seats, against 24 for the Lib Dems and 1 vacant seat. The Conservatives took control in 2005 after claiming North Thatcham from the Lib Dems. This time around, North Thatcham is being targeted by former Newbury MP David Rendel, as part of a political comeback. | 
