Councillor Mike Giles

Cllr Mike Giles is the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Earley and Woodley constituency. Mike grew up in Berkshire, went to school in Crowthorne and was a Reading FC season ticket holder in his youth. He lives locally with his daughter, and outside of politics enjoys spending time with her, his partner and wider family.

Mike is currently a District Councillor for Sonning Common ward and a Cabinet Member at South Oxfordshire District Council, where he has responsibility for Corporate Services, which includes HR, equalities, communications, policy and IT transformation.

Mike first stood for election in 2023 in Sonning Common, a ward bordering Earley and Woodley. He nearly doubled the Liberal Democrat vote to defeat the incumbent Conservative candidate, and has served as a District Councillor since then. In 2025, he was appointed to the council's Cabinet and now regularly represents the administration in council, committees and the media.

As a councillor, Mike has campaigned on the issues that matter to the local community - from getting potholes repaired and improving community infrastructure to supporting tax cuts for local pubs. He wants to bring the same determination to Earley and Woodley - where his core focus is on tackling the cost of living, enhancing the local environment, and improving local healthcare - notably a new Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Outside politics, Mike is CEO of a national trade association, where he has campaigned for affordable access to medicines and fairer farming regulations. His professional career has given him experience of leading organisations, working with government and regulators, and turning complex policy issues into practical action.

Mike is standing because he believes Earley, Woodley, South Reading and all the villages deserve a strong voice in Parliament. Mike will fight for greater investment, better public services and a fair deal for all the communities that make up the constituency. He believes the area has been overlooked by Westminster for too long and is determined to change that.

Mike is a Liberal Democrat because he believes in protecting human rights, empowering local communities, tackling climate change and building stronger ties with Europe. He has also hosted a Ukrainian refugee, reflecting his belief that solidarity and compassion should be at the heart of public life.