Reading fail in fourth City status bid
Reactions have come in from politicians and the public
Last updated 20th May 2022
Reading has failed again in its bid to become a city.
Colchester, Milton Keynes and Doncaster were thought to be more worthy in a competition to mark the Queen's platinum jubilee.
Council Leader Jason Brock said:
"This is obviously hugely disappointing news for Reading, the Council and everybody who backed the bid.
"As we said from the outset, however, this bid was about showcasing Reading, everything it has to offer and everything we love about it, from our rich history, our Royal connections, our diversity, our cultural scene and our economy, which drives the whole region. We firmly believe our bid was a strong one, and today's result doesn't change any of the things which make us proud of Reading.
"Our congratulations to all the winners and, in particular, our nearby neighbours, Milton Keynes.
"Reading will, for now, remain a ‘little big town' just as it’s always been, something that sets us apart and we remain hugely proud of. Plus, after too many heart-in-mouth moments, we’ve still got Championship football in Reading next year, so that’s a bonus."
He added that he hoped future competitions would be more transparent and said he felt Reading would bid again one day.
Councillor Clarence Mitchell, Conservative group leader said:
“To lose out on City status yet again, when we had presented such a compelling and obvious case, is clearly hugely disappointing.
“This time it really did feel as if it was within our grasp at last and we were proud to support the Council’s bid on a cross-party basis for all the positives that such status would have brought our town.
“While Reading may continue to be a large town with a small feel for now, it will always have City-sized ambitions.
“Our local economic engine, our quality of life and the vibrancy, creativity and diversity of our wonderful communities will all ensure we keep on growing and gain such recognition soon, enabling Reading to step out of London’s shadow in its own right at the very next available opportunity.
“For now, I’d like to congratulate everyone who was involved in putting such a strong Council bid together. We can hold our collective heads high knowing that the case was made so well, even if it wasn’t to be this time.”
Both of Reading’s MPs have reacted to the town failing to win city status.
Each Jubilee year, a number of new cities are ‘made’ by being given Royal Charters from the Cabinet Office.
Reading has once again failed to be granted city status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Now, Reading’s MPs have reacted, both expressing disappointment that it was not named a city this year.
Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, said:
“I want to congratulate those new cities who have been successful.
“I am, of course, disappointed that Reading was not one of them but I am absolutely clear that whether Town, Borough or City – Reading remains the greatest place to live, work and raise a family.
“We have a rich history, a diverse culture and a bright future. I am incredibly proud of the place that is my home, the people who live here and I know we have so much to look forward to. I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who worked on Reading’s bid.”
Alok Sharma, the Conservative MP for Reading West, said:
“I am disappointed that the Reading bid for city status was not successful.
“However, this does not change the fact that Reading is an extremely vibrant place to live and work with much to offer, including as an economic powerhouse.
“The opening of Crossrail and its connection to Reading just underlines the growing status of our home town.”
Social Media
People are beginning to ponder whether Reading will ever achieve city status, despite its rich history, huge festival and estimated population of over 230,000.
Stephen Bush, the associate editor of the Financial Times, reacted to the news on Twitter, predicting that Reading will remain a town for decades to come.
Mr Bush wrote: “The year is 2100. The UK’s three remaining small villages are given “city status”. The UK’s only remaining town is still, inexplicably, Reading.”
Olly Mawson tweeted: “Maybe it is reverse psychology. Maybe Reading needs to apply to downgrade to ‘hamlet’ or ‘village’ status – then they might consider it as a city.”
Heather Wallace added: “Reading has been rejected so many times we’re at the ‘we wouldn’t be a city if you paid us’.”
One thing that may have hampered Reading’s bid is the town’s proximity to London, with cross rail solidifying its position as a commuter town rather than a city in its own right.
Josh Harris said: “Reading is on its way to becoming outer London now with cross rail, a good thing in my opinion.”
Mr Bush replied: “Agree on all points. In many ways this was Reading’s last chance for city status for precisely that reason in my view.”
Annabel Mullin expressed little surprise that Reading was snubbed,to which Mr Bush replied: “It’s as got as good a claim as Milton Keynes and a better one than Colchester or Wrexham!”
Other Twitter users took Mr Bush’s point further by bringing up Slough.
Mark Keast said: “Just making Slough a city would be enough to confirm this conspiracy.”
Shayan Sardarizadeh added: “Pretty sure someone from Slough is in some board that makes these decisions.”
It is unclear when the next ‘city making competition’ will be.
Reading was beaten in the city status contest by Colchester in Essex, Doncaster in South Yorkshire, and Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, all in England.
Elsewhere in the UK, Dumferline was made a city in Scotland, Bangor was made a city in Northern Island, and Wrexham in Wales also achieved city status.
Additionally, the town of Douglas in the Isle of Man and Stanley in the Falkland Islands were both made cities as well.
Reading has failed in all attempts to become a city, in the special contest to mark the Millennium in 2000, the Gold Jubilee in 2002 and the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.