Former Journalist Becomes Reading's New Mayor

Former sports broadcast journalist Councillor Paul Gittings has been elected Mayor of Reading Borough Council for 2026/27, after a year as deputy mayor.

He began at The Reading Chronicle and the Bucks Free Press, then worked for the BBC, CNN, Reuters and others, interviewing Formula 1 drivers Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna (1960-1994).

He used his first speech to praise Reading as a place that welcomes refugees. The Ukrainian choir Kryla performed during an interval. Cllr Gittings called the times "febrile".

He said: "Reading is proud to be a City of Sanctuary."

"Many Ukrainians in the choir found sanctuary and support in our town. They now perform widely throughout the country in places with sizeable Ukrainian populations."

"Kryla means wings; this symbolises music, poetry, inner strength and hope. Let's keep hope alive, said Jesse Jackson when he visited Reading in 2009."

"I'll say now, if I encounter racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism in our town, I will speak out. Diversity is our strength, long may it continue."

He has long served on the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and is currently vice-chair.

On mayoral expenses he said: "We go to many events - travel costs for the mayor are fully costed for, and are a small price to pay."

"This is about civic pride and maintaining partnerships."

Closing his speech he added: "Reading remains a big little town, with a compact, accessible feel, that's why we have a strong sense of community."

"Myself and my family owe so much to the big little town. Reading is a fantastic place, it's the honour of my life to represent this town."

He was nominated by ward colleague and council leader Liz Terry and Graeme Hoskin. Cllr Terry said: "Anyone who knows Paul, knows he likes to talk! I've learnt to listen carefully."

Cllr Hoskin added: "Paul is one of the most energetic people I know. His service to this town will be a quarter of a century."

"He hurls himself into every challenge. He has campaigned with unceasing passion."

Thanking them, Cllr Gittings said: "Liz, for her sins, has been my colleague for 14 years now!"

"I really appreciate her kind words. Graeme is now the longest serving councillor, for two years longer than me."

His chosen charities are Sport in Mind, ABC to Read and the Refugee Support Group. His mayoral escort will be Ellie Emberson, his former colleague who served as a Labour councillor for Coley from 2018 to 2026; she narrowly lost her seat to Green candidate Richard Walkem on Thursday, May 7.

Cllr Amjad Tarar (Labour, Battle) was elected deputy mayor. The selections took place at the council's annual meeting at Reading Town Hall on Wednesday, May 27.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter