Reading shoppers have their say on general election results

Since waking up this morning to a new prime minister and a new political party now in charge of our country, many have expressed excitement at the thought of change.

With this in mind, The Chronicle went out today to speak to locals to gage their views on how they thought this general election went.

Kevin Wilson (Image: nq)

Kevin Wilson, who is from North London but went to Reading University and is currently in the town to link up with some old friends, said that he is very happy with the result.

"I am delighted," he said. "I am a green voter and was hoping for them to get more seats but am obviously very pleased.

"I don't necessarily want Starmer's Labour government, but it is better than the Conservatives."

Gemma Launchbury (Image: nq)

Gemma Launchbury, 41, from Reading said that she was happy with the result and took her dog Arlo with her yesterday to vote.

"I'm from Reading central and was really happy with the result this morning," she said.

Debbie Jenkins (Image: nq)

Debbie Jenkins, 65, from Whitley said she is really happy about the election results, and has voted Labour all her life.

"We've just had enough of the Tories. They've been in too long now, we need change and I think that we should give Labour a chance," she said.

"They can't do any worse than what we're in now."

Isla and Zoe

Friends Isla, 17, and Zoe, 16, said that they are surprised by the result but are still happy.

Isla said "I don't really know much about politics but I know that I don't want the Tories in power. So for reason I am happy."

Zoe said "It is good to see some change for sure."

Chico Anyaogu (Image: nq)

Chico Anyaogu, 31, said that he didn't vote himself, but expected the result we saw this morning.

"People are tired of the Conservatives. I however don't believe Keir Starmer is the right person so I did not feel the urge to vote."

Pedro Andreon and Sasha Novikova (Image: nq)

Pedro Andreon, 29, who lives in central Reading said that he feels very good about the election results.

"I think the Conservatives have been in power for too long and now it's time for a change," he said.

"They haven't done anything different and the country has been getting worse lately. Let's see what Labour are going to do."

Katherine Hopper (Image: nq)

Katherine Hopper, 46, said she feels that the results are as expected.

"I wouldn't go quite as far as to say I was happy with the results," she said. "I have a lack of faith in the leaders I'd say but I do think that change is needed."

Margaret Painter (Image: nq)

Margaret Painter, 76, from Whitley said that she voted yesterday and is happy with the result.

"I'm Labour through and through," she said.

Read all about the action that unfolded last night here.