READING politicians are paying tribute to the Queen, who has died at the age of 96.
Cllr Rob White, the leader of the opposition of Reading Borough Council, and Green party councillor for Park ward, joined his national party in sharing sympathy for the monarch.
In a statement, the national party’s co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: “This is a moment of great sadness for our nation.
“The Queen served this country tirelessly over her 70-year reign, bearing witness to the fall of the Berlin Wall, invention of the internet and the first man on the moon.
“We send strength and compassion to the Royal family at this difficult time.”
And Cllr White said: “I thank the Queen for 70 years of tireless work and send my deepest condolences to the Royal family following the sad news of the death of the Queen.”
Cllr Clarence Mitchell, the Conservative Group Leader on Reading Borough Council, also wanted to pay tribute.
“At this extremely sad time, on behalf of both the Reading East and Reading West Conservative associations, our members and our Officers, we express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and we give thanks for the life and devoted commitment to public service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” he said.
“Reflecting on Her Majesty’s own words after her mother’s passing – which apply equally today – Her Majesty had a zest for living, for her subjects and for dedicated service to the Nations of the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth family.”
He continued: “The world is a much poorer place for her passing and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Royal Family at this saddest of times.
“After more than 70 years as Sovereign, one held in such high esteem, her loss will be felt deeply by millions of people around the world.
“As a mark of respect during the period of national mourning, all Conservative Party campaigning activities in Reading and across the country are now suspended until further notice.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Meri O’Connell said: “Here in Reading, across the country and beyond, people are absorbing the news that Queen Elizabeth II has passed.
“Although we all knew that this day would come, the sadness it brings has caught many of us by surprise. When political leaders seem come and go in the blink of an eye, she has stood out as touchstone – linking past, present and, through her family, future.
“In these times of rapid change, she has been a constant, reliable presence in our nation, reigning always with dignity and grace.
“I know I speak for many in our town when I say that I shall miss her kindly face and twinkling eyes.”
