Tories celebrate Reading West win

Adam Hewitt • Published 7 May 2010 06:17 5 Comments

See also:

THE Tories have regained Reading West after 13 years of Labour control.

Victorious Alok Sharma cruised to victory with 20,523, ahead of Labour's Naz Sarkar on 14,519.

He said: "I want to thank all of those who voted for me tonight. I am humbled by the trust you put in me and it will be a great honour to serve you."

He said former MP Martin Salter had been a dedicated public servant for the constituency and that he hoped to continue his good work.

Mr Sarkar said: "I want to pay tribute to Alok, he fought a very good campaign. I would like to pay tribute to Martin Salter, he has worked very hard over the last 12 years. I'd also like to pay tribute to my very vocal team who have been phenomenal. You might think five or six thousand votes is quite cosy, but we'll be back!"

In her speech, Lib Dem Daisy Benson, who came third with 9,546 votes criticised the Labour campaign and spoke of her hope for cleaner, fairer politics in the future. She said she was pleased to have increased her party's share of the vote, especially since she has only been a candidate for four months.

Returning officer John Painter confirmed the turnout in Reading West was 66.03%, up from 62% at the 2005 General Election, and that 89 ballots were spoiled.

Alok Sharma (Con) - 20,523; Naz Sarkar (Lab) - 14,519; Daisy Benson (Lib) - 9,546 ; Bruce Hay (UKIP) - 1,508; Howard Thomas (Common Sense) - 852; Adrian Windisch (Green) - 582.

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Reading Observer
Unregistered User
May 7, 05:37
Report comment

Naz - thank you and goodnight. I suggest you take the IDR (if you know what and where that is) back to London and stay there!

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0
BGarvie
Unregistered User
May 7, 11:41
Report comment

Congratulations to Alok and his hard working team for an outstanding Conservative win in Reading West. (A swing of 12.5% +)

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0
val
Unregistered User
May 7, 11:57
Report comment

Naz told you on the door step Martins shoes were too big for you.So go back to what your suited to being a councilor in london thats if anyone will vote for you.Anyone want a teaching job and a four month contract to a flat anyone?

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0
Wither New Labour
Unregistered User
May 7, 20:31
Report comment

The New Labour campaign was a disgrace.

Personal attacks, scare tactics and associated bile.

The actions of desperate people

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0
Warren Swaine
Unregistered User
May 8, 17:07
Report comment

Wither...

According to Naz the personal attacks were down to Peter Ruhemann. Naz seems a nice enough chap. I have no reason to doubt him.

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle