Eight new faces have been elected to Reading Borough Council after the 2026 elections, the first since May 2024 and the Labour government taking office in July 2024.
Three new Greens and three new Labour councillors won seats, plus two Conservatives. The Greens made three gains at Labour's expense.
David Clarke took Thames from Adele Barnett-Ward. He's lived in Reading for 12 years and works in the Emergency Department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. He has also worked as a medic in humanitarian zones, most recently in Ukraine & Somalia, and is a keen football fan who enjoys running.
Mr Clarke said: "It feels fantastic, it's a really exciting night for the Greens, I think all over the country there's been some really positive results, and I'm really delighted and really thankful for the efforts of the whole team.
His profile on the Reading Green Party website states: "My priorities for Thames Ward are cutting bills, easing congestion and improving the River Thames."
Jacqueline Dominguez won Abbey from Labour's lead councillor for environmental services. She said local canvassing showed people want change and she will push on bills, housing, congestion and pollution.
Richard Walkem grabbed Coley from the Labour lead for corporate services with a nine‑vote majority. "My priorities for Coley are access and quality of affordable housing, lowering energy costs, addressing drugs and antisocial behaviour, and protecting green spaces."
Two new Conservatives were elected: Alex Smith won Emmer Green from Clarence Mitchell, who defected to Reform UK in January, and Saadia Saadat took the seat vacated by Labour councillor Sam Juthani. Saadat has campaigned locally to make Albert Road Recreation Ground accessible to all.
Labour's Pratikshya Gurung won Battle ward, replacing Independent Sarah Hacker. Gurung lives in West Reading, has worked as a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for over 10 years, and is a mother of two from a Gurkha family in the British-Nepalese community.
Ulrike Magyarosy held Southcote for Labour, succeeding retiree Deborah Edwards. "I'm very happy to represent Southcote and to continue the fantastic work the Labour councillors are doing, and I just wanted to say thanks to Debs for being such a wonderful example for me to look to up to, I'm trying to fill big shoes!"
Alison Foster held Norcot for Labour, taking over from former council leader Jo Lovelock, who retired this year. "I want to thank all the volunteers who helped and voters who elected me. I will work hard for Norcot, and of course, I take the reins from Jo Lovelock, who leaves very big shoes to fill."
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
