I arrived here 25 years ago, believing I might stay for six months. Since then I have married, started a family and, a few years ago, became Mayor of Reading!  

I was first elected to Reading Borough Council in 1984, when I replaced the "father of the council" Jack Price in Whitley Ward. 

After a short break, I returned to the Council in 1991 when I stood against Tory Rob Wilson and won a seat in Redlands Ward.

In the mid 1990’s I was Chair of Housing, leading the nationally acclaimed "Empty Homes Strategy" - which opened up over 500 disused properties in the town - and helped make Reading a top-rated housing authority.

Since 1999 I have represented Battle Ward.

In 2001/2 I was Mayor of Reading and during that year raised a record amount of money for charity - £55,000 - which remains a record today. I am always looking for new sponsors for my charity fund-raising events.

I also initiated the town twinning of Reading with Speightstown, Barbados.

In December 2005 I became Chair of Reading Buses.

Please visit my website for more information about me and Battle Ward - www.cllrtonyjones.com