Reform UK have lost their only councillor in Reading after Clarence Mitchell was beaten in Emmer Green by Conservative Alex Smith in the May 7 elections.
Mitchell, who defected from the Conservatives in January and had been elected as a Conservative in 2021 and at the 2022 all‑out elections, came third with 805 votes behind Green candidate Hannah Connibear on 1,103 and Alex Smith on 1,143. It was the first result announced during the count on May 8.
"Obviously, on a personal level, it's disappointing. I've been proud and privileged to have served the people of Emmer Green for the last five years, to the best of my ability. I'm very grateful for everybody that voted for me.
"Nationally, though, it's looking really good for Reform, there've been many gains and many more to come.
"So although we haven't got over the line in Reading tonight, I think we've got a great base on which to build."
Mitchell still recorded the highest Reform vote in Reading. Steven Low was the next best performer in Tilehurst with 763 votes, coming second to Liberal Democrat incumbent councillor Meri O'Connell, who won with 1,144 votes (majority 381).
In Kentwood, Stephen Ruston got 736 votes and was pipped to second by Conservative David Milne‑Buckley on 775; Labour's Glenn Dennis held the seat with 1,014 votes.
Reform also finished second in Church (Matthew Reynolds 680) and Whitley (Richie Sahni 612). Church was won by Ruth McEwan with 1,095 votes (majority 415) and Whitley by Rachel Eden with 919 votes (majority 307).
Nationally, Reform UK were the biggest winners in the local elections with 406 seats at the time of writing, ahead of 262 Conservatives and 261 Liberal Democrats.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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