The Liberal Democrats remain in firm control of Wokingham Borough Council after local elections that strengthened their majority, despite losing a high-profile councillor.
Of the 19 seats contested, including a by-election in Wokingham Without, 12 went to the Liberal Democrats, six to the Conservatives and one to Labour. The Greens and Reform UK won no seats.
The overall balance is now: Liberal Democrats 29, Conservatives 19, Labour five and the Greens one.
Voter turnout was notably high, with some wards seeing more than half the electorate cast ballots.
New councillors include Conservatives Leon Cook and David Bragg, and Liberal Democrats Roberta Brooks, Richa Singh, Mohima Bose and Chris Johnson. Many incoming councillors come from business, education, finance and engineering backgrounds.
The Conservatives retained the 19 seats they held before the vote, and Labour's Nagi Nagella kept his Norrey's seat.
The defining moment was the narrow defeat of Liberal Democrat Katrin Harding in Thames ward, who lost to Leon Cook by just 19 votes.
Wokingham MP Clive Jones said: "I'm gutted that she lost by 19 votes. To get 1,532 votes was really, really good. She put in a fantastic effort to hold that seat and she's only just missed it. I'm really, really proud of what she's done."
Council leader Stephen Conway said: "I'm very, very upset that we've lost such a high quality councillor in Katrin. She is an exceptionally talented person. To have lost her by 19 votes is very, very sad, but congratulations to Leon Cook. There were two good candidates locked in a very close contest."
He added: "I am, however, very pleased that whilst we lost that one seat, we gained two seats which puts us one up."
Harding, known for her work on climate issues and community energy, said: "I'm looking forward to getting out on the gravel bike, hopefully back into running, and considering some form of next degree or higher education course."
Conway also welcomed the new intake: "I welcome Richa Singh, and my other new colleagues - Chris, Mohima and Roberta - warmly. I look forward to working with such a talented team."
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
