Tory leader and MP reacts as former Mayor joins Labour

Councillor David Stevens, who recently served as the Reading Borough mayor until November last year, switched parties from the Conservatives to the Labour Party today (Monday, January 10).

His defection was prompted by a decision which meant he was not selected as a Conservative candidate for the newly created Caversham Heights ward.

Councillor Jeanette Skeats, the leader of the Conservative group on Reading Borough Council confirmed that cllr Stevens had not been selected as a candidate for the 2022 local elections, but did thank him for his work as a Conservative councillor.

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Cllr Skeats, representative for Thames ward, said: “Following a recent Conservative Party selection process, held ahead of the forthcoming Reading Borough Council elections, it is with great regret and sadness that I, as the leader of the Conservative Group on the council, have to announce that cllr David Stevens, was unsuccessful in his bid to be re-selected as a candidate for the new Caversham Heights ward this coming May.

"This highly regrettable decision was taken despite David serving as a Thames ward councillor for nearly 18 years with great distinction, during which time he gained the respect of colleagues and Councillors on all sides of the chamber.

"David’s commitment to residents and his loyalty, both to the Conservative Party and to the Borough Council, has been invaluable. His experience, attention to detail and his good nature will all be sorely missed."

Councillor Jeanette Skeats, the leader of the Conservative group on Reading Borough Council, representative for Thames ward. Credit: Reading East Conservatives

Cllr Skeats continued: "Most recently, he has been a superb ambassador for Reading, acting as a highly effective Mayor for the last 18 months – representing our town with compassion and sensitivity not only through the aftermath of the Forbury Gardens murders but also throughout the difficulties of the Covid pandemic.

"Following the recent selection decision, however, David has informed me that after considering his position carefully at length and given his ongoing desire to serve the people of Reading as a councillor, he has come to the conclusion that his political future lies within the Labour Party.

"We, his friends in the Conservative Group, wish him well for the future.”

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Meanwhile, Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, welcomed cllr Stevens to the party.

Mr Rodda said:  “I’m delighted that David Stevens has joined the Labour Party, he is respected across our community for his work as mayor and as a long standing councillor.

"He has played a leading role in the campaign to save Reading Gaol and I’m looking forward to working with him on this and a range of other local issues."

Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East. Credit: Office of Matt Rodda MP

Mr Rodda continued: “David’s decision is really significant, this is the first time a Conservative councillor in Reading has left their party and joined Labour.

"It is also part of a wider change which is underway in Reading and across the country, with many residents who have voted Conservative now changing their minds and deciding to support Labour.”

Mr Rodda's claim does have some weight, as Labour is now leading in national opinion polls when people are asked what party they are thinking of voting for in the next general election, which is scheduled for 2024.

The Conservatives had until recently led opinion polls since the current Government was formed in 2019.