Spencers Wood and Swallowfield Ward

There is currently two Liberal Democrat Councillors representing Spencers Wood and Swallowfield Ward. Find out more below:

Catherine Glover

After a career in the IT industry, I moved to Spencers Wood in 2012, and have been a Councillor for Shinfield South since 2023. I am secretary of the Shinfield and District Local History Society, so I see our community in the past as well as in the present.  When I moved here, large-scale development was already planned, and I expected to see more and better local facilities. I was disappointed. Local opposition to development has proved to be largely futile and we need a more positive approach — making sure we get the appropriate infrastructure, and particularly an increase in the provision of school places locally. 

Part of Shinfield South has combined with Swallowfield to create a new ward, an area that I am excited about representing in the Borough Council. We have a great sense of community here and I am keen to encourage and foster this. I want to see open spaces preserved and improved. Where there is wildlife I want to see it encouraged. I want to see practical steps taken to improve the circulation of local traffic and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. It is because I am interested in people, and place, and improving people’s lives, that I am a Liberal Democrat.

Chris Johnson

I became a Borough Councillor for Shinfield South in May 2022 and have served over the last two years on several committees, including as Chair for Corporate and Community Overview and Scrutiny. I have become acutely aware of council finance and the dual issues of inflation and underfunding. 

My career has been varied, spanning roles in communications and engineering, as well as 25 years in the RAF - including combat in the Falklands. I'm currently a consultant with a software company, working with domestic and foreign governments, security services and banks.

I have two adult married children - a son who followed my steps into the RAF and a daughter who is a management accountant - and three grandchildren.

World travel has opened my eyes to the diversity of cultures, the amazing nature we take for granted and all that can be lost for our children and grandchildren if we do not take care of our planet and ourselves. We owe all that follow us to create a safe and varied place for them to grow, explore and achieve all they aspire to be.

With the changes in Ward Boundaries, I will be seeking election in the new Spencers Wood and Swallowfield ward, where I have lived since 2015.