Reading candidates react to general election being called

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced this evening (May 22) outside Downing Street that a UK general election will take place on Thursday, July 4.

It is the first election in years that will be fought on new political boundaries.

Candidates from the opposition parties are eager for the election to take place to get rid of the Conservative government, which has been in power since 2010.

Matt Rodda, a current MP and Labour candidate for Reading Central reposted party leader Sir Kier Starmer’s post on X/Twitter welcoming change.

His Lib Dem challenger Henry Wright said: “The choice at this election is clear: a fair deal with me and the Lib Dems – tackling the cost of living, the NHS and the environment, or the same sorry story with Labour and the Conservatives.

“With the Conservatives running the country into the ground over the last decade, and Labour having run Reading for my entire life, it’s clear that nothing will change in Reading if you vote Conservative or Labour.

“I’m delighted to stand in my home town on a Liberal platform to turn the economy around, mend our NHS, tackle the crisis in our environment and our water – and end this Conservative government’s pathetic culture war.”

The Conservatives have not selected a candidate for Reading Central yet.

Areas of Reading are divided into three constituencies – Reading Central, Reading West and Mid Berkshire, which covers villages in West Berkshire, and Earley and Woodley, which also covers Whitley.

Helen Belcher, Lib Dem candidate for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, said: “As my team and I have gone round the new Reading West and Mid Berkshire seat over the past few months, it’s clear that most people want a change of government. They want an NHS, schools and public services that work. They want a growing economy, with opportunities for all. They want action taken to protect our environment from sewage and our streets from crime. And they think the Conservatives have failed to deliver all of those.

“The timing of this election indicates that the Conservatives think this is the best it’s going to get for them. After breaking Britain over the past decade, they want another term in office. The country and our area deserves better.

Liberal Democrat candidates Henry Wright (Reading Central), Helen Belcher (Reading West and Mid Berkshire) and Tahir Maher (Earley and Woodley). Credit: Adrian Betteridge, Liberal Democrats

“I am honoured to be the Liberal Democrat candidate in the area where I grew up, and where my parents lived for almost 50 years. Real votes cast in recent local elections show clearly that the Liberal Democrats are the only viable alternative to the Conservatives here. I’m looking forward to the campaign.”

Meanwhile, Ross Mackinnon, Conservative candidate for the constituency, said: “I’m delighted that the General Election will be on July 4.

“I will fight for strong Conservative principles like securing our borders, building on the huge improvements in our schools, keeping inflation under control as we have done recently, tougher action on crime and anti-social behaviour, making sure the NHS provides the best outcomes for patients, and building on our economic growth, which is faster than our EU neighbours.

“I am so proud that a Conservative Government kept our country going during the Covid pandemic, acting swiftly to implement the unprecedented furlough scheme, support for self-employed workers, and grants for our vital small businesses – all of which rescued our economy and our jobs.

Conservatives on campaign in Reading, featuring Nick Fudge, candidate for Kentwood ward, Ben Blackmore, candidate for Tilehurst ward, and Ross Mackinnon, MP candidate for Reading West and Mid Berkshire. Credit: @RossMackinnonWB

“The Labour leader and the local Labour candidate both campaigned to make Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister – and the Corbynistas haven’t gone away.

“Only today in Prime Minister’s Questions, Labour MPs described Hamas and Israel as equivalent. They are not. In a world becoming ever more dangerous, voters simply cannot trust Labour with keeping our country safe.”

Olivia Bailey, the Labour candidate, said: “Reading West and Mid Berkshire is ready for change. And the Labour Party is ready to deliver that change. Speaking with people every day I know how fed up people are with a country where nothing works. I’m standing to deliver more police on the streets, more hospital appointments and to get sewage out of our waterways. Only Labour can deliver the fresh start we need.”

Independent candidate for Reading West and Mid Berkshire Adrian Abbs said: “Well, it’s here. A few more weeks and people will pass judgement on those that have been in power and the promises they made. I ask for your vote as something different from the rest. I would be an MP that:

• Is focused on the constituency, not their party, its members or party conferences.
• Is not constrained by any vested interest group.
• Who brings business and common sense to the role.
• Who can and will work with whoever wins the majority and help create a UK with a positive future.

“The parties running campaigns are busy fighting against each other, whereas my focus is fighting for you and the constituency. I believe anyone can win this new ward, so I ask you to vote with your heart, change the type of MPs we get. Vote Adrian Abbs and send a clear message that you want MPs that work together and don’t just shout and oppose.

Councillor Adrian Abbs (Independent, Newbury Wash Common) with Parliament in the background. He is hoping to run for the new parliamentary seat of Reading West & Mid Berkshire. Credit: Adrian Abbs

“For the record, I have lived locally for 25 years, run a small business in West Berkshire, intend to place the MPs office somewhere central like Theale, and will run surgeries during my time as MP around the whole constituency.”

Yuan Yang, the Labour candidate for Earley & Woodley said: “I’m honoured to be Labour’s candidate in this new constituency, because it means I can bring a fresh start to our area.

“Every day I speak to local residents who tell me how sorely we need change. Only a vote for Labour will bring the change we need. The Lib Dems have already said in public that they don’t expect to win the seat.

READ MORE: Battleground in Reading suburbs as main parties select candidates for new MP seat

“My family have lived in Earley for fourteen years, and over that time, I’ve seen the damage austerity has done to our community. It’s become more and more difficult to get a GP appointment, schools are stretched, and the economy isn’t working.

“As an economist I know that things don’t have to be this way. To build a strong economy, we need to invest in people and our communities.

Yuan Yang, Labour candidate for Earley and Woodley. Credit: ktbruce.co.uk

“I went to primary school in the 90s, and Labour’s focus on education meant I got a great start in life, despite coming from an immigrant family with limited means.

“We’ve gone backwards since then. Labour’s plan for the economy will create a greener, brighter future for everyone, and break down the barriers to opportunity.

“For many of us, a change of government can’t come quickly enough. An elderly friend of mine was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital recently, and it’s for people like her that I want to win a general election victory.

“The RBH has been overdue new facilities for years. If elected, I’ll make sure we finally build a new hospital, while also moving more healthcare into the community, so we can diagnose and treat problems early.”

Meanwhile, Lib Dem candidate Tahir Maher said: “Whatever happens elsewhere in the country, one thing is clear: only the Liberal Democrats are standing up for Earley and Woodley.  This is a brand-new constituency; anybody could win here.  We now have just over a month to get a fair deal for our community.

“My priorities are clear: fixing the NHS, tackling the cost of living and crime in our area, and building a caring society – because people matter.  Together, let’s get a fair deal for Earley and Woodley.”