READING EAST MP Matt Rodda was full of praise for Labour’s performance at Thursday’s local election.
The party was able to extend its majority in the council by one seat, securing Caversham Heights from the Conservatives on what was a difficult night nationally for the Tories.
Mr Rodda said: “We’ve had some incredible steps forward in Reading, we’ve won a seat in a ward [Caversham Heights] which a few years ago we just thought was nowhere near possible.
“We’ve also held onto a ward which is a very hotly contested area [Redlands] where the Green Party are our opponents. We’ve done really, really well.
“Majorities for Labour candidates are up in almost all cases and we’ve had a superb response on the doorstep. We’re very grateful and honoured to serve the people of Reading.”
He added that these results put the party in prime position to do well in the next general election, which must take place before January 28, 2023.
“This lays the foundation for a potential Labour victory in the general election in maybe a year-and-a-half’s time – you can see there’s a shift in our direction,” Mr Rodda explained.
“We’ve got a great team locally, we’re going to be working hard across the whole country and I’d just like to thank the residents for turning up to vote in this local election and for their support for Labour.”
He believes the current Labour council has served the people of Reading well, which has led to people re-electing its councillors on Thursday.
“The council has done a great job over a number of years and we’ve shown that in a number of policy areas, our local councillors are working hard for the community – that’s ultimately why they’re getting re-elected,” Mr Rodda said.
“They’re doing a very good job, I’m very impressed by them.”
