Reading s new councillors Three new councillors have been elected to Reading Borough Council (RBC) last week, including a former Zimbabwean diplomat and a former advisor to the McCann family. There were 17 councillors in total elected in Reading last week at the local elections, with voting taking place on Thursday, May 6, and the winners confirmed at the count on Friday. Just three of the 17 are new councillors, however, with each of the new members winning after a councillor had stood down from their role. The three councillors also represent three different political parties. Two of them come from the same party as the retiring councillor, while the other won by just 10 votes to secure a gain for their party.
David McElroy Green 1,009 Shekhar Natarajan Conservative 319 Tevye Markson (@TevyeMarksonLDR) May 7, 2021 Blimey… that was close. James Gore (@James Gore1) May 7, 2021 Talking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Reading’s Green group leader Rob White said the election was “really positive”. “He’s been working hard all year round, knocking on doors, talking to people, working to improve the area. “We hoped based on that hard work that people would vote Green and it is reassuring when they do go out and vote for someone that is making the difference. “He has also been standing up for residents on things the east Reading MRT, he has pledged to protect the Thameside, and he’s been working really hard on the campaign we’ve been running to get the council to insulate more houses in the town.”
Amjad Tarar Park Labour “Amjad Tarar a qualified lawyer and is the Labour and Co-operative candidate for Park ward where he is a local resident and campaigner for the Labour Party. His commitment to the local community is strong, as is shown in the different ways he has been helping residents. If elected he pledges to tackle drug related issues through collaboration with the local police and residents and raise awareness for better physical and mental health.”
Abi Jones (Conservative) Abi Jones Conservative Park “Having worked in and around Park Ward for three years I have had the opportunity to speak to many residents and to get to understand the issues the area faces. During my time at Reading University here I have always defended and advocated Conservative values, which I not only believe are essential for alleviating the growing injustices in society but are essential for uniting our community.”