Labour and the Greens in Reading have clashed over who won the popular vote in this year's council election.
With all votes counted, Labour say they took the popular vote with 15,300 votes to the Greens' 15,113 - a majority of 187.
The result saw Labour win seven seats, the Greens six, the Conservatives three, and Liberal Democrat councillor Meri O'Connell (Tilehurst) hold her seat. It was still a setback for Labour: three lead councillors lost their seats.
Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), the leader of the council, said: "I am pleased we won the popular vote and the most seats across the town, leaving Labour still in control of the council."
She added the party had gained Battle and increased vote share in places like Kentwood, and said: "Also pleased that Reading did not vote in any Reform candidates whose divisive politics have no place in our town."
The Greens dispute the raw tally. Rob White, leader of the opposition, says votes in Caversham Heights - which elected two councillors - should be averaged. If that average is used, he says the Greens beat Labour 14,300.5 to 14,227.
Cllr White said: "It was an amazing election for the Green Party in Reading. Our best ever result, taking the Green group up to 11 councillors and reinforcing our position as the second-largest party on Reading council."
He added: "If you average votes for Caversham Heights rather than giving residents there two votes in the popular vote, then the Green Party won the popular vote in Reading this year!"
The election results came in on Friday, May 8. The council now has 29 Labour councillors, 11 Greens, and three each for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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