News

Understanding the Shift: Why Labour lost Katesgrove last night

Published

12 months ago

May 3, 2024

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Several key factors have driven this change: most recently, the substantial student population from the esteemed University of Reading and the Muslim community, both visibly disheartened by Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on the Gaza conflict. Moreover, the current Green Councillor Doug Cresswell and Councillor Louise Keane from the area have actively engaged with and supported the community, earning widespread appreciation.

In last night’s local election, the sole remaining non-Green seat in this ward was claimed by the new Green councillor, Kate Nikulina, solidifying the Green Party’s presence in the ward.

Katesgrove, much like other areas with a large student presence, has historically leaned towards progressive values, often aligning with the Labour Party’s stances on education, social justice, and healthcare. However, the transient nature of student residency and the diversity of political views within this demographic pose a challenge for maintaining unwavering support.

The University of Reading, renowned for its academic excellence, attracts students from diverse backgrounds and ideologies. While many students may resonate with Labour’s traditional values, others may be drawn to alternative political movements or disenchanted with mainstream politics altogether. This diversity of opinion within the student body presents a unique challenge for political parties seeking to secure their support.

In addition, the Muslim community in Katesgrove, like elsewhere in the UK, constitutes a significant portion of the electorate (11% much higher than the town average) whose concerns deserve attention. Recent events, particularly the Gaza conflict, have evoked strong reactions within the Muslim community & students with many expressing discontent with Sir Keir Starmer’s perceived stance on the issue. While Labour has historically championed human rights and international justice, criticisms of the party’s response to the Gaza conflict have struck a chord with some voters in Katesgrove.

The emergence of the Green Party in the area signals a shifting tide for what was once a stronghold of loyal voters.

News

OLLY MURS plays READING – Palmer Park on Friday 13th June 2025!

Published

3 weeks ago

April 11, 2025

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Olly Murs fans, buckle up! The Palmer Park Summer Series is delighted to announce Olly Murs Live in Palmer Park, Reading on Friday 13th June 2025.

It’s 15 years since Olly exploded onto our screens, yet he is still more determined than ever about what’s next. With 7 successful albums, 5 of them reaching no.1, in excess of 2 million tour tickets sold, 7.6M monthly Spotify listeners & a combined following of over 27M across social media, Olly has so far had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter & TV personality.

2024 was also a busy year with Olly working 44 dates touring with Take That & finishing off the summer with a run of his own headliner gigs. Having just announced a summer tour in 2025,
Olly has another action-packed year ahead of him & will be celebrating his 15-year anniversary gigging all the hits as he travels down the road to Reading, Palmer Park with Legacy Live on Friday 13th June.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate 15 fantastic years of Olly Murs in Reading! Book your tickets now at www.legacylive.co Limited Tickets Available!

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Host a Street Party This Summer – Apply Now for Free Road Closures in Reading

Published

4 weeks ago

April 4, 2025

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People are being encouraged to bring communities together this summer by holding their own street parties as part of The Big Lunch 2025.

This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – a special opportunity to come together with neighbours in both celebration and commemoration.

Free Road Closures for Summer 2025 Street Parties

Reading Borough Council is once again supporting local events by covering the cost of road closure fees for street parties on any of the following weekends:

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June – The Big Lunch Weekend
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June – Armed Forces Day
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

How to Apply

To host a street party, residents must apply by Monday 21 April 2025. Applications must ensure the proposed road closure does not affect a main through-route or public transport route. Organisers are also asked to consult with neighbours, address any concerns, and ensure access for emergency services is maintained throughout the event.

You’ll need to provide:

Your name and contact details
The name(s) of the road(s) to be closed
The date and times of the closure
A list of the properties that will be affected
Details of how you will notify residents of the closure
Confirmation that neighbours are on board with the plans

So, roll out your bunting, get the trestle tables down from the loft, and start planning your perfect summer street party!

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Reading Borough Council website.

News

MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang shortlisted for women’s prize

Published

1 month ago

March 28, 2025

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang among shortlisted women for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction in 2025.

Yuan Yang, the MP for Woodley and Earley, wrote Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, while Oxford-based Dr Rachel Clarke wrote The Story of a Heart.

Ms Puri said the non-fiction works were “united by an unforgettable voice, rigour, and unique insight”.

The shortlist is rounded out by Dr Rachel Clarke’s The Story of a Heart, The Buffalo Stance singer’s A Thousand Threads, Chloe Dalton’s Raising Hare, Clare Mulley’s Agent Zo: The Untold Stories of Courageous WW2 Resistance Fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, and Helen Scales’ What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean.