READING"S Lib Dems have reshuffled their leadership following Gareth Epps" decision to stand down to concentrate on his parliamentary campaign.

Former deputy Cllr Kirsten Bayes was elected leader on Monday night, with fellow Redlands ward councillor Daisy Benson as her number two.

Mayor of Reading Cllr Peter Beard, whose term ends next Wednesday at the council"s annual meeting, will become the Lib Dems" chairman and group whip.

He will by tradition be replaced as mayor by his deputy, veteran Tory councillor Fred Pugh.

Labour has nominated Battle ward councillor and taxi driver Gul Khan as deputy for this year, and by tradition he will automatically become mayor next May.

Cllr Khan, former executive chairman of the Pakistan Community Centre and secretary of South Street Mosque, said: 'I am looking forward to serving the community of Reading. I will serve the public to the best of my ability honestly, truthfully and faithfully.'