A councillor in west Reading has resigned which means a by-election will take place on December 12 alongside the general election.

Emma Warman, former Conservative councillor for Kentwood, stood down yesterday after serving her second term as a Reading Borough Council (RBC) member.

General elections are taking place on December 12, with candidates vying to be MP for Reading West and Reading East.

A local election will now take place on the same day to decide the next Kentwood councillor.

Councillor Jeanette Skeats, leader of the Conservative group at RBC, said: “Emma has been a very hard-working committed councillor. I am sorry to lose her as part of the Conservative group.

“This is her second time round on the council. She is very experienced.

“This was a personal decision for her due to work commitments.”

“I appreciate all the hard work she has done and wish her well for the future.”

Emma Warman was elected councillor in 2018 alongside councillor Raj Singh in a double election– with Tory councillor Tom Steele having stepped down that year.

This was her second time as councillor, having also served between 2008 and 2012.

Kentwood ward has been closely-fought by the Conservatives and Labour in recent elections, with councillor Cllr Singh winning the seat from Glenn Dennis by just six votes in 2018.

Cllr Singh kept hold of the ward this year, beating Glenn Dennis again – this time by 100 votes.

Kentwood ward consists of the northern part of the suburb of Tilehurst, in the west of Reading, south of the River Thames.

The ward is bordered by Mapledurham and Battle wards to the east and Norcot and Tilehurst wards to the south.

Ms Warman was approached by the Chronicle for comment but said “I would rather not speak to the press”.