Reading Liberal Democrats

Councillor Jude Fry has resigned from her position as a Reading Borough Councillor for Tilehurst Ward because her husband’s job has recently been transferred to Switzerland.

Jude said “It came as a complete shock to my husband and I when he was told that he had to relocate to Switzerland or lose his job. With our second child due at the end of November, my husband didn’t fancy the prospect of redundancy and so, after a lot of discussion between us, we decided to make the move”. Jude continued “I have really enjoyed my time as a Tilehurst Ward Councillor and am very sad to be leaving Reading after living here for 10 years but I hope everyone will appreciate that my husband and I are doing what we think will be best for our family.” Jude went on further to add “Although I could technically have stayed on as a Councillor by flying back to attend one meeting every 6 months, I don’t feel that would be fair to the residents of Tilehurst, who have shown so much support for me by electing me 3 times in as many years.”

By-Election

Councillor Fry’s resignation means that there will be a by-election in Tilehurst Ward and the Tilehurst Liberal Democrats have chosen long-time local resident and campaigner, Ricky Duveen, as their candidate. Jude said “I have known and liked Ricky for a long time and I think he is an excellent candidate. He has my full support and I hope the people of Tilehurst will show him as much kindness and support as they did for me by electing him as their Councillor in the by-election.”

Tilehurst has had Liberal Councillors for more than 40 years, since Jim Day (ex-mayor and freeman of Reading) was first elected in 1962 and Ricky Duveen hopes to be able to continue the tradition. Ricky commented that “Jude has been a first-rate councillor for the people of Tilehurst, tackling local issues on behalf of residents, and we are all sorry that she is leaving. Jude has also been an enthusiastic campaigner with the Lib Dems in Reading. We want to thank her for all her efforts and wish her, and her family, all the best for the future.”

Editor’s note:-

Councillor Jude Fry, 31-years old, has been a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tilehurst Ward since 2003. Married with one 2 1/2 year old child, she is expecting her second child at the end of November. Jude was the Reading Liberal Democrats’ Council spokesperson on Transport and was also a member of the Licensing Committee. We wish her well in her family move to Switzerland and send our thanks for all her hard work and devotion to Tilehurst and the Liberal Democrat ethos over the past 3 years.