Alison Swaddle moved here to attend Reading University many years ago and never left! She represented Bulmershe & Whitegates ward as a Borough Councillor for 4 years. And was elected to represent Coronation ward as borough councillor in 2019 and again in 2023.

She represented Bulmershe ward on the town council from 2019-2023 and was elected to serve the residents of Loddon Airfield ward on the Town Council in May 2023. Alison is the Deputy Leader of Woodley Town Council

Both her children attended Bulmershe School and she served 6 years as a parent governor. 

Alison Swaddle became Reading East President in March 2016 and was re-elected in 2022 to serve her third 3 year term. 

She was Reading East Association Chairman from 2010 to 2013 and was elected again for 2015/16 and served as Acting Chairman in 2016. She has been the Berkshire Area Chairman, and chaired the Selection Council for the new Earley and Woodley Parliamentary constituency.