Tories celebrate double win
Published 7 May 2010 06:51
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Tory Rob Wilson extended his majority in Reading East sixteen times over.
Mr Wilson polled 21,269 votes - a majority of 7,605 compared to 475 in the last General Election.
Mr Wilson said: "I wanted to thank the people of Reading East for re-electing me and putting their trust in me. I will continue to serve all of my constituents.
"It's been a great night for all Conservatives with our best results since 1992 and our most gains in 80 years.
"I'd like to pay tribute to my friend - and now honourable friend - Alok Sharma. The race was never as close as some of my opponents would have had people believe.
"When they spoke in their literature about it being a two horse race, I didn't think it was for the wooden spoon!"
Gareth Epps for the Liberal Democrats got 13,664 while Anneliese Dodds for Labour got 12,729.
Mr Epps said he was thrilled to have overtaken Labour and added: "This result puts the Liberal Democrats on the map in Reading - we are now the main challengers in Reading East.
"These results are building blocks for more Liberal Democrat success in the future."
Anneliese Dodds said: "I would like to congratulate Rob Wilson and i'm sure he will continue to provide a good service to his constituents.
"It was a clean and hard-fought campaign. I'd like to thank my great team. I'm in no doubt that in the future we will win it for social justice and equality here in Reading."
The UKIP candidate Adrian Pitfield polled 1,086.
Green Party candidate Rob White Green received 1,069, and used his speech to thank everybody who voted Green and to congratulate party leader Caroline Lucas on her win in Brighton Pavilion - the party's first MP.
Independent Joan Lloyd received 111 votes and Michael Turberville, also Independent, got 57.
Returning officer Mayor Cllr Fred Pugh confirmed that 118 ballots were spoiled and, consistent with the national trend, turnout was 66.76% - up from 61% in 2005.
Alok Sharma secured a Conservative gain from Labour in Reading West, polling 20,523 - a majority of 6,004.
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