Reading’s newest councillor has laid out her priorities following her by-election win.

Finn McGoldrick has been elected as a Labour representative for Norcot following a by-election vote on Thursday, August 3.

The election was triggered following the sad death of cllr Colette Dennis who died this June after winning elections in 2022 and May 2023.

Cllr McGoldrick has paid tribute to cllr Colette Dennis and spoke about the issues raised to her in the campaign.

She said: “It [the by-election] came from tragic circumstances, it’s a campaign we have never had to do as a local party.

“Colette was really loved, it was clear how much she was loved in Norcot and her contributions to the area.

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“The campaign was focused on bread and butter issues such as road resurfacing and street cleanliness.

“Lots of people are really pleased with the Dee Space community centre, they are looking forward to more action on the regeneration and getting current empty buildings down and replaced.”

The Dee Space community centre opened earlier this year as part of the Dee Park estate regeneration.

Cllr McGoldrick continued: “There was a lot of concern about anti-social behaviour, everyone is concerned about that, it is something we are really mindful of."

Reading Chronicle: Finn McGoldrick being sworn in as a Labour councillor for Norcot ward. Credit: Reading LabourFinn McGoldrick being sworn in as a Labour councillor for Norcot ward. Credit: Reading Labour

She then laid out some priorities now she is a councillor.

Cllr McGoldrick said: “I’ll work with the council to make sure Norcot is kept clean, safe and vibrant, so that the area looks and feels nice to live in.

“I also want to promote more youth and family activities in the ward, so people can take advantage of Dee Space and Prospect Park.

“I’ll work to make sure the council steps up to provide more free events for families.”

Free events have included Reading Water Festival and Reading Childrens Festival.

Cllr McGoldrick added: “There’s a real positivity around how well run the council is. There are always things to do better, we want to get the basics right.

“Residents want to be listened to and have reports back, that’s what I intend to do.”

She has not been appointed to any committees yet, with her stating that her focus will be on representing the ward.

Cllr McGoldrick is married to her partner with two children.

She said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve found a lovely, friendly area for all kinds of families.

“Reading is a diverse, inclusive and safe town, I think that’s brilliant, our diversity is a big part of our strength.”

Cllr McGoldrick comes from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and will continue to work as a Political Advisor to Jonathan Reynolds, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy and Labour MP for Stalybridge and Hyde.