READING EAST MP Matt Rodda has welcomed the defection of a Conservative councillor to Labour.
Earlier today, we broke the news that former mayor Cllr David Stevens had crossed the floor to join the ruling group on Reading Borough Council.
It comes after he was deselected as a Conservative candidate for May’s forthcoming local elections. This is an all-out election following changes to the ward allocations in Reading.
Mr Rodda said he was delighted that Cllr Stevens has joined Reading Labour and said it pointed to a national trend of people switching support from the Conservatives to Labour.
“I’m delighted that David Stevens has joined the Labour Party, he is respected across our community for his work as mayor and as a long standing councillor,” he said.
“He has played a leading role in the campaign to save Reading Gaol and I’m looking forward to working with him on this and a range of other local issues.”
Mr Rodda added: “David’s decision is really significant, this is the first time a Conservative Councillor in Reading has left their party and joined Labour.
“It is also part of a wider change which is underway in Reading and across the country, with many residents who have voted Conservative now changing their minds and deciding to support Labour.”
