New leader of Reading Borough Council chosen

Liz Terry has been selected as the new leader of Reading Borough Council

Labour councillors have chosen the new leader of Reading Borough Council.

Liz Terry has been selected for the role after previous leader Jason Brock said in March that he would stand down.

Ms Terry, who formerly worked at Slough Borough Council and Berkshire Women's Aid, said becoming leader of the council was an "honour, a privilege and a big responsibility".

She will officially assume her new position at the council's annual general meeting on 22 May.

(From left) Mayor of Reading Tony Page, former council leader Jason Brock and Ms Terry at the Reading Pakistani Community Centre

Ms Terry started her her career in local government as a temporary pay and display clerk at the council, and has lived in Reading all her life.

She said her first council job made her realise that "working to provide services for local people was what I wanted to do".

Her career saw her become assistant chief executive at Slough Borough Council and executive director at Oldham Metropolitan Council.

Following that, Ms Terry became the chief executive of Berkshire Women's Aid for seven years.

First elected to the council in 2012, Ms Terry has been the lead councillor for neighbourhoods, children's services, corporate services and resources, and was appointed deputy leader last year.

"I will do my best to make sure that Reading continues to be a great place to live, work and visit," she said.