Political leaders welcome My Wokingham

In 2018 when she was Prime Minister, Theresa May said the decline of local journalism was a threat to democracy. The number of printed local newspapers was dwindling and that pattern has continued since then. But there is something to be said for holding a newspaper in your hands, rather than scrolling on a screen. And our local political figures have welcomed a new title into the mix in Wokingham.

CLIVE JONES

Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat Leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Wokingham said: “Congratulations on starting up this venture. I look forward to seeing My Wokingham on a regular basis fol- lowing in the best traditions of a truly independent newspaper. Good luck I hope it all goes well.”

Local newspapers play a key role in our democracy. By consuming more local information, people are more likely to be concerned with issues that affect them locally and elect leaders using these criteria rather than relying on national rhetoric to choose leaders. This can create a better democratic system.

MATT RUDDA & ALOK SHARMA

A former fellow journalist, Matt Rudda, Labour MP for Woodley and Reading East said: “I once worked as a reporter many years ago at the Wokingham Times My Wokingham is looking very sharp and clean for a new