POLITICIANS waited with anticipation throughout the night in the hope of hearing their name called out in the local election results.

Rivermead Leisure Centre was a hive of activity, as ballot boxes came flooding in late on Thursday and votes were counted into the early hours of Friday morning.

There were 18 seats up for election this year, with three by-elections in Church, Katesgrove and Kentwood Ward.

It was a marginal success for The Conservatives on the night, as they gained extra slots in Kentwood and Tilehurst to move up to 12 out of 46 seats.

This was, however, at the expense of the Liberal Democrats, who lost Ricky Duveen in Tilehurst, and Glenn Dennis (Labour), who missed out by six votes to Raj Singh (Conservative) after a recount.

The personal success story of the evening was 19-year-old Ellie Emberson, a legal secretary, who became the youngest-ever female councillor for Reading when she won Minster Ward.

She said: "Since I was selected six months ago we have worked tirelessly. We have been out listening to the issues and we have acted on them.

"We have listened to the community and they have had enough of this Conservative government and they have struck out against them.

Reading Chronicle:

"When I was a youth MP I got to see for myself all the parties and it was Labour that was welcoming and stood for diversity and equality. They wanted to listen to what the young people had to say.

"I quickly learned that it was the Labour Party that was there to represent me and then in turn I wanted to represent others.

"The average age of a councillor is nearly 65 so it is about time we get more young people involved to stand up for young people within the community."

Ellie, the youngest councillor, replaces Marian Livingston who has served Minster Ward for eight years and was the oldest councillor.

Her grandparents had always voted Conservative and decided to change their minds when they heard she was running for the local elections.

Cllr Emberson added: "It is very fitting to replace Marian. She has been an excellent councillor and has mentored me and helped me to understand the community and how we can support them.

"I am delighted that she has been able to pass the baton onto me as the youngest.

"I just want to get to know the ward and get comfortable. We have been out since 6am, so I will probably celebrate by sleeping.

"I am sure there will be some celebrations in town later on, but I will work that out after I have had some sleep."

Click here for all of the results from last night.