Reading residents living overseas have been left furious after being unable to vote in last month's general election due to postal delays.

A number of people received their votes just the day before the nation took to the polls on Thursday, July 4, meaning there wasn't enough time for their postal vote to be registered.

Reading Borough Council, who handles postal votes for those living in Reading, blamed the snap poll and nationwide postal delays for residents not receiving their voting cards in time.

One voter, registered to vote in Reading but lives in Finland, didn't receive theirs until Wednesday, July 3.

They said: "I’m living abroad and have had my right to vote taken away from me.

"After following all the government voter guidelines to the tee, I only just received my postal vote today.

"I have no clue how such a logistical flaw could pass so easily under the radar, and I’m disappointed that Reading Borough Council failed a constituent so badly. There’s no way it’s arriving to the ballot by 10pm tomorrow so I have just had to give up. That’s one vote down from Reading. Let’s hope it’s not happened to more people."

Meanwhile, a family of three were unable to vote as they were on holiday.

The mum of the family therefore changed the address on their postal voting forms to reflect that, but never received their postal vote.

The family received a reply from the council which blamed the 'snap nature' of the election and limited timeframes for delays.

The mum, who asked not to be identified, called the situation 'a fiasco' and the response from the council dismissive.

She said: "It has left me bewildered, appalled and dismayed that three votes can be dismissed with no recourse, apart from complaining to the Royal Mail or your next MP.

"I don’t think that this is an isolated case. Democracy? I really DO want to have my say."

Confronted with these incidents, a council spokesperson said: "We are sorry to hear of the problems experienced by some overseas voters.

"The council despatched all postal votes according to our schedule but will investigate further if individuals contact us directly about any issues.

"There are two postal vote despatches, and overseas electors who have their absent vote in place by the first despatch are sent their packs as early as possible. Those who apply later are in the second despatch.

"Postal packs cannot be made instantly but are sent within the election timetable.

"Of course, we do not have any control after despatch as it is down to Royal Mail to deliver the packs.

"The close timetable of the postal votes for overseas electors, and the election timetable, is a national issue, exacerbated on this occasion by the snap nature of the election.

"Proxy votes are advisable for those overseas but we understand this is not always possible or the electors preferred choice."