Published: Friday, 7th May, 2010 2:14pm

Tory MP gets stuck into new role

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NEWLY elected Reading West MP Alok Sharma has began work in his constituency.

Mr Sharma stormed to victory with 20,523 votes, ahead of Labour's Naz Sarkar on 14,519 representing a 12.1% swing to the Tories.

The hotly fought seat was wrestled back after 13 years of Labour control from former MP Martin Salter who is retiring from politics.

He received the result at 5.34am today (Friday), but despite the late night he told the Chronicle: "There's a lot that needs to be done but we are going to be rolling up our sleeves and starting it this afternoon."

Lib Dem candidate Daisy Benson came third with 9,546 votes followed by UKIP's Bruce Hay, on 1,508 votes, the Common Sense Party's Howard Thomas on 852 and the Greens' Adrian Windisch on 582.

Turnout in Reading West was 66.03%, up from 62% at the 2005 General Election, and 89 ballots were spoiled.