Five newcomers will be sworn into Reading Borough Council following this year’s local elections.
The night was politically undramatic, with only one seat changing hands from the Conservatives to Labour, and the possibility of a Labour sweep staved off by the opposition.
New faces on the council were guaranteed prior to any results drawn as four councillors retired ahead of the elections.
However, Labour candidate Sam Juthani was successfully able to oust Conservative incumbent councillor Paul Carnell, meaning Mr Juthani is another fresh face.
Meet the newcomers below:
Sam Juthani
Sam Juthani is a markets and investor advisement manager at Flint Global, which advises international businesses and investors on policy, politics, regulation and competition.
Mr Juthani previously worked for World Bank, the Treasury and the Bank of England.
Celebrating his win, he tweeted: “So so proud of being elected Labour & Co-operative Councillor for Caversham Heights. And excited to join a great group of Reading Labour councillors!
”I will do my utmost to serve my ward to the best of my ability. I’m grateful and proud to have earned your trust.”
He will now join fellow Labour cllr Sue Kitchingham to represent the Caversham Heights ward, alongside cllr Isobel Ballsdon now the lone Conservative.
Stephen Goss
Stephen Goss is the new Conservative cllr for Emmer Green ward.
He is a historian and former lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast.
Prior to his election, Mr Goss said: ” I’ve been working with our Councillors in the ward on some of the issues faced by Emmer Green residents.
“I’ve met with the Reading Golf Course developers and those who live on and around Kidmore End Road to help address their justified concerns around construction traffic and the strain on infrastructure.
“I’ve attended meetings of local community groups to hear about their issues, and been involved in our Councillors’ efforts to get something done about the terrible state of All Hallows Road.”
His listed priorities include resisting inappropriate and insensitive planning applications, putting pressure on the council to get potholes fixed and representing the area.
Sarah Magon
Sarah Magon successfully held the Park seat vacated by Brenda McGonigle.
She has already attracted attention for taking the council and businesses to task over overflowing bins in the Wokingham Road shopping area.
Speaking on the departure of cllr McGonigle and Sarah’s candidacy, cllr Rob White, Reading Greens leader said: “I can’t thank Brenda enough for her incredible hard work, and the difference she’s made.
“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside her.
“Our local campaigner Sarah Magon has been continuing Brenda’s tradition of hard work with her campaigning to tackle Wokingham Road rubbish problems.”
Amjad Tarar
Amjad Tarar was elected to represent Battle ward.
He is a solicitor and secretary of the Reading Pakistan Community Centre.
On his professional life and bid to become a councillor, Mr Tarar said: “I’ve helped people across Reading with social and family problems, particularly assisting women suffering domestic violence.
“I have a strong belief in community harmony and have facilitated interfaith events which can build bridges between different faith communities across Reading.
“I’m ready to represent all residents, believing that we each need to stand for the many, not the few.”
He will take over from cllr Gul Khan, who served 19 years on the council before retiring.
Ama Asare
Ama Asare has been elected as the new Labour councillor for Thames ward.
She campaigned hard throughout Reading with fellow councillors and candidates, and recently completed the Ascend Health 5K Run to raise awareness of prostrate cancer and blood related diseases.
Ama was also seen at the Reading Gaol March to save the Prison from sale to a developer, a campaign which has had bipartisan support.
She will take over from retiring cllr Nusrat Sultan.
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