General Election 2024: All you need to know about voting in the new constituencies of Newbury and Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Electors are going to the polls to choose an MP for the new constituencies of Newbury and Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
The polls open at 7am this morning (Thursday) in this year’s General Election, after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised many by calling the election for July 4.
For the first time, residents in West Berkshire will be voting across two new constituencies, which were created after a national boundary review that aimed to rebalance the number of electors in each area.
The new constituencies span West Berkshire as well as the Reading Borough Council wards of Kentwood, Norcot and Tilehurst.
This year West Berkshire Council said it had seen an increase in the number of people wanting to vote in the General Election by post, but it had also warned that some postal votes might not arrive.
Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm today (Thursday) and voters are reminded that for the first time in a General Election photo ID is required.
You will need to show one form of original identification, which includes a passport, driving licence or defence identity card.
West Berkshire chief executive Nigel Lynn is the returning officer for both the Newbury and Reading West and Mid Berkshire seats.
He has said that he expects to be able to announce the results by 7am tomorrow (Friday).
You can find your nearest polling station and a list of what identification documents will be accepted on the West Berkshire Council website – www.westberks.gov.uk/general-election-2024
The seven candidates standing in the Newbury constituency are Liz Bell (Labour), Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat), Laura Farris (Conservative), Earl Jesse (Freedom Alliance), Gary Johnson (UKIP), Steve Masters (Green), and Doug Terry (Reform UK).
The seven candidates standing in the Reading West and Mid Berkshire constituency are Adrian Abbs (Independent), Olivia Bailey (Labour), Helen Belcher (Liberal Democrat), Kathrin Bosley (Reform UK), Carolyne Culver (Green), Ross Mackinnon (Conservative) and Adie Peppiatt (Independent).
Our reporters will be at the count throughout tonight to bring you all the latest updates, as they happen.
You can keep up-to-date with our live blog from around midnight at www.newburytoday.co.uk/election
We will have full coverage of all the results and reaction on Newburytoday throughout the day tomorrow.
