WOKINGHAM put its faith in the European Union last night with the highest number of ballots cast in favour of the UK staying an EU member. 

Despite the UK now definitely leaving the EU with 17,410,742 votes tallied for Brexit and 51.9 per cent of the final vote, compared to the 16,141,241 votes to stay in the EU, at 48.1 per cent, Wokingham borough bucked the trend.

There were 97,551 votes casts overall, with the total number of remain votes at 55,272 while leave received 42,229, with just 50 spoiled ballots. 

The results were announced at around 4.30am this morning (Friday), after a partial recount, by the returning officer for Wokingham, Andrew Moulton, to the relief of 'Remain' Labour and Lib Dem councillors who were waiting nervously on the sidelines. 

Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Keith Baker, said: "The people of the UK have made their decision and made their decision in quite a strong way.

"Four per cent and over a million votes, I think that's a reasonably strong mandate.

"I think we now have to work together to pull together to ensure we get the best deal for everyone in the country.

"If you look around, most of Berkshire has voted to remain with the exception of Bracknell and Slough.

"I think that reflects the profile of the residents of the area.

"I think one thing about the UK and its people is that we are amazingly resilient and adaptable.

"Anything that is thrown at us at whatever level we have the will and determination to get on with it and turn it to our best ability.

"What this will mean in two or three years I don't know, I've lost my crystal ball."

He added: "Throughout the campaign I have been totally neutral which I think is appropriate for someone in my position so I've watched both sides from the wings.

"I would like to thank all of the activists on both sides. Despite our differences, there's that ability in the local area to work together."