Councillor Tony Page was elected Mayor of Reading on Wednesday 24 May 2023 and will now serve as Mayor for a period of 12 months until May 2024.
Councillor Tony Page has served on Reading Borough Council as a Labour councillor since 1973, without a break in service. At the time of his election he was a second year student at Reading University.
He was Chair of Reading Buses from 1986 to December 2005 – one of 14 remaining Council-owned bus companies in the country.
He was Chair of Reading’s Transportation Committee from 1986-1990; Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from 1990 – 2004; Cabinet Member for Community Action and Regeneration 2005 – 2008; and from May 2008 to May 2023 Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport.
He represented Reading on the Local Government Association since its inception in 1997 and was Vice-Chair of its Transport Board from 2002 -2005.
He served on the Thames Valley Police Authority from May 1997 – November 2012 after which it was abolished with the creation of Police and Crime Commissioners.
From July 2013 – May 2023 he was Chair of the Berkshire Local Transport Board responsible for determining the priorities for transport investment across Berkshire.
From July 2017 – June 2023 he was Vice-Chair of Transport for the South-East (the new Sub-National Transport Body established under recent legislation).
In 2005 he stood as Labour candidate in Reading East but was defeated by just 450 votes.
In addition to the above, his ‘full-time’ professional career was as follows:
The Mayor’s chosen charities for the year are:
Reading Refugee Support Group – Reading Refugee Support Group upholds the spirit of the The Refugee Convention of 1951, obligating the United Kingdom to protect and respect the rights of Refugees.
We are committed to reducing poverty, suffering and social isolation of people who have already faced unimaginable persecution and hardship.
Reading Stroke Support Group – The group aims to assist people in achieving their personal goals for a full life after stroke.
If you are a stroke survivor you will have the chance to meet other stroke survivors of all ages. As well as the activities within the group presentations are held to promote activities in the local area to ensure that you return to a life after stroke.
If you care for someone affected by stroke you can meet other carers, share stories and get advice and support. You will also get the chance to find out about health and well-being and will be able to relax for a couple of hours.
The Mayor represents the council at events, welcoming guests and visiting local organisations. He also chairs full council meetings. The Deputy Mayor (Cllr Glenn Dennis) may stand in if the Mayor is not available. Councillor Glenn Dennis has been elected Deputy Mayor of Reading until May 2024.
Contact the Mayor’s secretary with the date of your event. If there is a space in the Mayor’s diary, you can invite him to your event.
Councillor Glenn Dennis has been elected Deputy Mayor of Reading until May 2024.