THE MAYOR of Reading, and the town’s longest service councillor, has announced he will be stepping down from Reading Borough Council when his tenure comes to a close next year.
Cllr Tony Page, the Labour candidate in the Abbey Ward, has announced he will be stepping down in May 2024.
It follows 50 years of service to the council, a record in the local authority.
Former mayor David Stevens will replace Cllr Page as Labour’s candidate in Abbey Ward.
Cllr Page, addressing his Abbey Branch colleagues, said: “It has been a huge honour and privilege to have represented the town centre area for over 50 years.
“The changes have been enormous and hugely positive, although many challenges still remain for younger members of the Council.
“Reading Labour have made great strides in key issues, like addressing the climate crisis and building more affordable housing, but the town needs a Labour government more than ever to help us realise our ambitions for the community.”
It comes just days after Cllr Page was given the Special Recognition Award at the Pride of Reading Awards.
Cllr Page first won a seat on the council at the age of 19 when he was elected to the Castle ward, now defunct.
In his five decades of service to the council, he played a part in the launch of the Oracle shopping centre, reforms to public transport, and the establishment of Green Park.
More recently, he has celebrated the opening of Reading’s Green Park Station, marked the centenary of Reading Bridge, and was invited to visit Germany by his counterpart in Reading’s twin town of Düsseldorf, Oberbürgermeister Stephan Keller.
When he was selected as mayor back in May this year, Cllr Page spoke about his pride in being part of the establishment of the Oracle development.
He also spoke of his time as chairman of Reading Buses, having overseen the move from the old depot in Mill Lane to its current location in Great Knollys Street.
During his tenure as mayor, he has supported Berkshire Refugee Support and The Stroke Association as his mayoral charities.
Cllr Rob White, leader of the Green Party, said: “Best wishes to Councillor Page for the future.
“I hope this change of councillor brings with it some fresh thinking from the Labour group in Reading about how we can make the town fairer, greener and cleaner.”
