Sarah Hacker, a former mayor and long-serving Reading councillor, has announced she is stepping down after 16 years in office.
First elected for Battle ward in 2010, Cllr Hacker served as mayor in 2015/16 and has been a prominent champion of culture and the arts in the town. She is the daughter of ex-councillor Chris Maskell, who retired in 2022 and was mayor in 2007/8.
Announcing she will not stand in the May 2026 local elections, she said: "Despite offers from other parties to stand as a candidate and lots of local support if I did decide to stand as an Independent, I've decided that I won't be standing in the May elections, and my time as a councillor has come to an end for the time being, at least."
She thanked supporters and listed achievements: "I'd like to thank every single person who voted for me and supported me over the last 16 years. I think we've got a lot done, we've had our parks refurbished, we've finally got the Cow Lane bridges project complete. We have a new station at Reading West, however I won't be quiet about it not being fully accessible, because I think that's a disgrace. We've had investments in schools and the roads, we've had an extension on the library, so we've managed to do lots of things over the last sixteen years. But it's time for me now to rest and reflect and look forward to a new phase in my life."
She said she will focus more on her job as a charity fundraiser and spend time on hobbies including archaeology and dancing. On a possible return to politics she said: "Never say never. The UK's at a very dangerous turning point, I believe, at the moment, and we need people who are compassionate, with empathy and who care about their community to speak up."
Cllr Hacker is a trustee of Reading Pride and a governor of Oxford Road and Wilson Primary School. Notice of her decision was given at the full council meeting on Tuesday 24 February.
Council leader Liz Terry paid tribute, saying: "Sarah has represented Battle ward since 2010, during which time she has most notably brought her passion for arts and culture to the fore. Whether it be in the arts and heritage forum, lead member for culture, heritage and recreation, or as patron of the Year of Culture 2016. Sarah will also be remembered for her year as mayor, where she was often seen being supported by her two sons, Isaac and Hayden, her two mayorettes! As far as records show, Sarah is the only daughter of a past mayor to herself become a mayor of Reading in her own right. We thank Sarah for her work and commitment to Reading over the past 16 years."
Mr Maskell quit Labour in January 2022, and Cllr Hacker was suspended from the party in April 2023.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
