Eight new faces have been voted in to serve on Reading Borough Council following the 2026 elections.
The election was the first since May 2024, and the Labour government coming to power in July of that year.
The night saw three new Green Party and Labour Party councillors elected each, and two new faces from the Conservative Party.
The Greens made three gains at the expense of Labour.
David Clarke, the Green candidate for Thames ward, beat out Adele Barnett-Ward, lead councillor for leisure and culture.
He has lived in Reading for 12 years and works in the Emergency Department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
He has also worked as a medic in humanitarian zones around the world, most recently in Ukraine & Somalia. He is a keen football fan and enjoys running.
Mr Clarke said: “It feels fantastic, it’s a really exciting night for the Greens, I think all over the country there’s been some really positive results, and I’m really delighted and really thankful for the efforts of the whole team.
His profile on the Reading Green Party website states: “My priorities for Thames Ward are cutting bills, easing congestion and improving the River Thames.”
Jacqueline Dominguez, the Green victor for Abbey ward, won a closely fought battle with Karen Rowland, the Labour lead councillor for environmental services and community safety.
She said: “I’m so happy to see how many people in Reading are looking for a change, and I know everyone is aware of the impact these results have on a national level as well.
“It was a great experience getting to know my neighbours on their doorsteps and answering their concerns by email.
“They know I will push to bring down bills, make housing more affordable and tackle congestion and pollution.”
Richard Walkem won his seat for the Greens right at the end of the night from Ellie Emberson, lead councillor for corporate services and resources, with a majority of just nine votes.
He said: “My priorities for Coley are access and quality of affordable housing, lowering energy costs, addressing drugs and antisocial behaviour, and protecting green spaces.”
Two new Conservative councillors were elected.
Alex Smith won Emmer Green from incumbent cllr Clarence Mitchell, who defected to Reform UK in January.
She has committed to being a strong voice for the ward on the council.
Meanwhile, Saadia Saadat picked up the seat vacated by Labour cllr Sam Juthani, who exited the council before the end of his term.
She has been campaigning with local families, the Cub Scouts and others to get the council to make Albert Road Recreation Ground accessible to all.
Pratikshya Gurung, the Labour candidate, won in Battle ward, taking over from Independent cllr Sarah Hacker.
She lives in West Reading and has worked as a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for over 10 years, caring for people and families in the community.
A mother of two, cllr Gurung comes from a Gurkha family and is part of the British – Nepalese community.
Ulrike Magyarosy held Southcote for Labour, taking over from retiree cllr Deborah (Debs) Edwards.
She said: “I’m very happy to represent Southcote and to continue the fantastic work the Labour councillors are doing, and I just wanted to say thanks to Debs for being such a wonderful example for me to look to up to, I’m trying to fill big shoes!”
Meanwhile, Alison Foster held Norcot for Labour, and will succeed Jo Lovelock, the former council leader, who retired this year.
She said: “I want to thank all the volunteers who helped and voters who elected me. I will work hard for Norcot, and of course, I take the reins from Jo Lovelock, who leaves very big shoes to fill.”
