Matt Rodda said it is an ‘honour’ after he was elected as the MP for the new Reading Central seat.
Rodda won the seat with 21,598 votes which makes him the first MP of Reading Central following the restructure of constituencies last year having formerly represented Reading East.
He said: “It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be elected as the MP for Reading Central and I’m still trying to take that in.
“Can I thank the returning officer and his staff, my agent and our whole team of activists who have worked relentlessly for six weeks and most of all my family .
“I’d also like to thank local residents for putting their trust in me in this election. It’s been a huge privilege to serve as MP for Reading East, the former constituency, for the past seven years.
“I’ve had the honour to campaign to save Reading Gaol, to save Reading Football Club and to carry out many other local campaigns.
“I’ve only ever been able to do that as an opposition MP when we’ve faced 14 years of terrible problems in our country.
“We now have the opportunity for real change and I’m hoping we have a Labour government to look forward to.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support in me and for their support for the Labour party. Let’s hope we have a chance to change this country for the better.”
Full Reading Central results
Matt Rodda, Labour Party: 21,598
Raj Singh, Conservative Party: 8,961
Dave McElroy, Green Party: 6,417
Henry Wright, Liberal Democrats: 3,963
Andrew Williams, Reform UK: 3,904
Michael Turberville, Independent: 227
Adam Gillman, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition: 221
