Reform UK has gained 21 councillors in the latest wave of defections announced this morning, reaching a total of 963.

The majority of the newcomers (15) are former Conservatives and among then are a Reading councillor.

Clarence Mitchell at Reading Borough Council has become the first Reform councillor at Reading. Cllr Mitchell is a former leader of Conservative group at Reading.

He has lived in Reading for the past five years, first becoming a councillor for the now abolished Peppard ward in 2021, before being re-elected for the new Emmer Green ward as a Conservative at the all-out elections 2022.

Commenting following his defection, Cllr Clarence Mitchell said: “I am delighted to be joining Reform UK today as a councillor to restore patriotism and purpose back into Reading.“

Reacting to the news, cllr Dave McElroy (Green, Redlands), his party’s candidate during the 2024 general election, said: “The Greens are already the main opposition in Reading, so are clearly the best choice for anyone looking to defeat Reform and/or punish Labour for their low-fat Farage impression.

“We don’t need another party punching down on migrants and minorities while accepting crazy donations from foreign companies and billionaires.

“We’re focused on leaving Reading (let alone the planet) a better place for our kids. The town has been more or less under Labour control since the 80s. The best way to defeat Reform is to get rid of those responsible for the state of our borough.

“Green politics is built on hope, rather than fear; there is a real alternative to Reform and Labour in Reading, you can support the Green Party!

“So If you care about fair pay for a hard day’s work, whether you and your kids are able to own your own homes – that sort of thing – then you’ve got to hit them where it hurts by joining the Greens (https://join.greenparty.org.uk/).“

Hopes that passengers would see some relief on travel costs following the government’s rail fare freeze have been dampened by a fresh round of bus fare increases in Reading.

Reading Buses has confirmed that several ticket prices will rise from Monday, citing higher day-to-day running costs. Adult single fares for journeys within the town will increase to £2.90 when purchased via the company’s mobile app, while passengers buying tickets directly from the driver will pay £3.

The operator is encouraging customers to consider multi-journey bundles, weekly passes or longer-term season tickets, which it says offer better value. Passengers are also being advised to use the app, where fares are typically cheaper than on-board purchases.

Young travellers will also see prices go up. Boost single tickets for under-18s will rise to £2.40 on the app and £2.50 when bought on the bus.

Meanwhile, the cost of the simplyReading adult day ticket will increase to £5 when purchased digitally, or £5.40 from the driver.

Despite the increases, Reading Buses said it will continue to honour the government-backed £3 cap on single fares under the Help for Households scheme.

A full breakdown of the revised fares is available on the company’s website.

A Ten Minute Rule Bill brought forward by Liberal Democrat Europe Spokesperson Al Pinkerton MP has passed in a “historic victory for the Liberal Democrats.” However, Reading Lib Dems have said they’re deeply disappointed in Reading’s Labour MPs for not supporting the Bill. 

The Bill, tabled by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament, aimed to pave the way for the UK to start negotiations with the EU on a new customs union. 

Estimates, reported in The Guardian, suggest that a UK-EU customs union could deliver more than £25 billion a year to the Exchequer by reducing red tape and unlocking the potential of British businesses.

The Liberal Democrats have argued that a new UK-EU customs union would lower trade barriers, cut red tape for Reading’s businesses, and put money back into residents’ pockets. 

The Bill passed by a majority of 1 vote. The vote breakdown was 100 in favour, 100 against – with the Deputy Speaker casting the deciding vote in favour. 

13 Labour backbenchers voted with the Liberal Democrats in favour of negotiating a customs union with the EU. Local Labour MPs Matt Rodda, Olivia Bailey and Yuan Yang abstained on the Bill.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said the vote sets a crucial Parliamentary precedent for movement on a deeper trading relationship with Europe.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor James Moore said: 

“It is deeply disappointing that our local MPs have failed to back a plan that would help people with the cost-of-living crisis locally.

“However, I am delighted to see the Liberal Democrats in Parliament win this vote. A closer relationship with Europe will boost our economy nationally and alleviate the cost of living crisis we’re seeing worsen. 

“For years, people in Reading have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis. Our local Labour MPs had a chance to fix that problem, but instead they sat on their hands. 

“Only the Liberal Democrats are fighting to tackle the issues our economy faces, while Labour just keep letting us down.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP added: 

“This was a historic victory for the Liberal Democrats – winning a vote in Parliament to finally end the economic nightmare of the Conservatives’ broken Brexit deal.

“Across the country, people are crying out for real change and a solution to the cost-of-living crisis. A customs union with the EU is the single biggest step the government could take to grow our economy, put money back into people’s pockets and generate billions for our public services.

“The Prime Minister must now listen to Parliament and the public, drop his self-imposed red lines and finally go for proper growth through an ambitious trade deal with the EU.”