Reading Conservative Group Leader Cllr Jeanette Skeats has thanked all involved in the Reading East election campaign and she says "We were hugely pleased to see both Reading Conservative MPs returned to Parliament with increased votes and I am also extremely pleased with our performance at the local elections held the same day where we held all of our seats."
Cllr Skeats added: "I am looking forward to working with our two new Councillors Cllr Claire McDonald (Caversham) and Cllr Clare Grashoff (Peppard). Both will bring excellent skills to the Council, and we are looking forward to serving our residents and holding the discredited Labour group to account."
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In Abbey ward there was a 9.4% swing from Labour to Conservative for first time candidate Chris Ashworth.
In Church ward Conservative candidate Paul Carnell (standing for the second time) came close to unseating the sitting Labour councillor with a 4.7% swing.
In Thames Ward Jeanette Skeats retained her seat, securing 52% of the vote.
Jeanette said: "The swing shows local residents' dissatisfaction with the way that Labour is running Reading Council.
"Conservatives will be challenging hard for Labour seats across the town in May 2016. We are looking forward to the fight!"