THE DECISION to call a general election has been welcomed by one of the town’s two MPs.
Earlier today, prime minister Rishi Sunak went to the King to request permission to call the poll on July 4. He then called a cabinet meeting before announcing his decision outside Downing Street shortly after 5pm.
Reading East MP Matt Rodda was first elected in 2017, and has represented it ever since. Due to boundary changes, this seat is dissolved, and will be replaced by a new Reading Central constituency.
Mr Rodda said: “The country desperately needs a change of Government and I welcome the election being called.
“I hope the campaign will be a chance to talk about the changes the country needs: economic stability, cutting NHS waiting times, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, more teachers, investment in green energy and a new border command to smash criminal gangs.”
The Conservatives have yet to announce their candidate for the new seat.
However, Henry Wright will contest the seat for the Lib Dems, Dave McElroy for the Green Party, and Andy Williams for Reform UK.
Until parliament is dissolved, both Mr Rodda and Reading West MP Sir Alok Sharma are still in office.
When that changes, Mr Rodda will become Labour’s candidate for the new Reading Central constituency, while Sir Alok will be stepping down. His Reading West seat will become the new Reading West and Mid-Berkshire seat.
