It is always a source of amusement to see our politician’s analysis of election results, “Tories pour salt on scars” (SA May 5). Conservative leader, David Renard, said “Across the borough it’s quite clear that the voters of Swindon don’t want a Labour run council.”

The results seem to confirm his statement but as I turned to “YOUR FULL ROUND UP OF THE RESULTS” I was left contemplating whether the electorate really wanted any of them.

Average turnout was about 40 per cent. It seems to me, these results confirm that six out of every ten of the electorate couldn’t care less who runs the council.

The biggest winner in this election wasn’t any of the political groups. It was apathy.

Prior to the election I heard a number of comments from various people about their voting intentions. Someone said they had voted previously and wouldn’t this time because whoever gets in they are all the same - useless. Someone else said they would be voting reluctantly but would hold their nose as they put a cross against the “preferred” candidate. I believe these types of opinion typify the views of many of the electorate.

A decade ago the Conservatives had 43 of council seats. They now have 29 giving them a majority of one, down from a majority of three prior to the election. A single by-election could result in this majority becoming a minority.

Swindon Council election results weren’t a victory for any of the political groups. A more accurate description would be stalemate.

If our politicians want decisive votes in elections they need to listen more carefully to the concerns of the electorate and act on them. The alternative is voter disenchantment and no real enthusiasm for any of the political groups.

Mr K Kane

Wharf Road, Wroughton

It was a privilege

I instilled in all of my family to cast their vote, and they have never failed to do so. I led by example. Needless to say, my candidate came last. I tied my little Westie outside St Paul’s Church and entered the polling area. Dog lovers unite. I have now found out that you can legally take your dog into the polling area.

I walked in there with my polling card, handed it over, and then was asked to repeat what it said regarding my name and address. I thought can’t they read ? I had to repeat my name and address twice before finally being given the slip to vote. Some security, or am I missing something?

After nearly losing my temper with the two people giving out our voting rights, may I apologise to both of them. I cast my vote. It made as much difference to the local election as a snowman in the Sahara Desert, but it gave me pride and a great sense of satisfaction that the members of my family and my good lady’s did not die in vain to give me that privilege.

Bill Williams

Merlin Way, Covingham

Poll opinions please

At the council elections on 3rd May, voters in Swindon were part of a Voter ID Pilot. The pilots will be formally evaluated by the Electoral Commission, but the Political Skills Forum is carrying out additional surveys, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Ltd, to gather more informal feedback on people’s experiences.

If any of your readers were turned away, or know of anyone who was turned away, because they didn’t have the required paperwork, I would be interested to hear about their experience. I would also like to hear from anyone who didn’t go to vote as they couldn’t find the paperwork they needed.

Finally, I would be interested to learn whether anyone felt they had to queue for longer when they got to a polling station because of the additional checks, and whether anyone did not vote because they saw queues and couldn’t wait. Please contact me by email on j.grauberg@gmail.com. Thank you.

Janet Grauberg

Associate, Political Skills Forum

50 Cotleigh Road

London NW6 2NP

Not very democratic

My word, don’t professional members of the Commons make things difficult for our councillors? We have all these stupid ultra right wing Tories in Parliament dragging their heels whilst trying their hardest to keep us in the dreadful EU. What is this minority group trying to do? Is it that they have personal reasons not to want to leave the EU. What happened to democracy? I’ll tell you, it’s a dirty word to this small group of whingers.

They will do anything to stop it even if it brings down their own party. This little group that believes it knows what best for us. Do any of them hold positions of power within the party? No. Well that has to tell you something. Perhaps it’s the need to be important. David Collins

Blake Crescent, Swindon