IT is looking increasingly likely that the councillor who was ordered to hand over almost £1,000 by a court over non-payment of council tax is from the Conservative Party.

A freedom of information request revealed that the unnamed councillor was ordered to pay £981.62 by magistrates after being sent reminder letters that failed to bring about a resolution.

But last week, Swindon Borough Council said they would not disclose the identity of the guilty party because, while they understood the level of public interest, they believed the councillor concerned had a right to privacy.

Some councillors were quick to come forward on social media and clarify their own status when the story broke this weekend, others expressed concern that while the individual's identity remained a mystery, the public’s confidence in all their elected representatives was being harmed.

In response to these concerns, the leader of the Labour group on the council, Jim Grant, has sought to clarify the status of his members.

“I can confirm that no Labour councillor has been in council tax arrears, let alone been ordered by court to pay their council tax,” said Coun Grant.

“I do think it’s a shame that the Borough Council has decided to prevent the name of the councillor being released, as I agree it’s a matter of public interest.

“However I would encourage whichever councillor was in council tax arrears to come forward and explain why this matter occurred.”

The leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, Stan Pajak, has given a similar assurance with regard to the party’s two Swindon councillors.

Coun Pajak said: “It’s embarrassing, especially when budgetary concerns are so important at the moment. It’s not a good example for everyone.”

The leader of the council and the Conservative group, David Renard, was unable to provide such firm assurances.

Coun Renard said: "I was completely unaware this had gone on because, as the council said last week, these matters are private and confidential."

It is understood that a public statement of some kind should be forthcoming in the not-too-distant future.