Reading local election
Abbey ward
This election was held on Thursday 7 May 2026.
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This is an election for unitary councillors.
Councillors represent the people of their ward on the council. Councillors are elected for four-year terms, and most wards are represented by more than one councillor. This council elects one-third of its councillors each year, which is why you may only have one vote.
Unitary councils are responsible for many different services, including:
- Child and adult social care
- Schools and education
- Rubbish collection and recycling
- Housing and planning
- Libraries and museums
- Roads and pavements
- Sports facilities and public parks
Councils are funded by a combination of council tax, business rates, and grants from the UK government. Councillors are not paid a salary, but they do receive financial compensation and expenses to cover their time and travel commitments.
6 candidates stood in the Abbey ward.
| Electorate | 6,512 |
|---|---|
| Ballot Papers Issued | 2,109 |
| Spoilt Ballots | 5 |
| Turnout | 32% |
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Karen Jean Rowland
Labour Party
683 votes
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Robert Dalton
Conservative and Unionist Party
279 votes
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Paul Newton
Reform UK
202 votes
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Henry David Wright
Liberal Democrats
139 votes
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James William Morgan
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
9 votes
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