It is not often the word ‘historic’ can be used to describe the annual meeting of the council, but this year it is entirely appropriate.

For the first time in the council’s history we have a Muslim mayor and I would like to extend a warm congratulations to Coun Junab Ali, who took over the mayoral mantle from Maureen Penny.

I am sure Coun Ali will serve the mayoral office with the same distinction as his predecessor over the coming year.

There has been a changing of the guard too within my own cabinet. Last week I bade farewell to Coun Toby Elliott who did such a fine job as my cabinet member for strategic planning. Coun Gary Sumner takes over that particular portfolio and I am really looking forward to his input as we continue to ensure Swindon gets the homes and infrastructure it deserves.

I have also taken the opportunity to freshen up the cabinet by asking colleagues to take on new responsibilities and I welcome the fresh perspectives Coun Fionuala Foley (cabinet member for highways and the environment) and Coun Mary Martin (cabinet member for children and school attainment) will bring to their respective roles.

With the local election and annual meeting of the council now behind us, my cabinet colleagues and I are now gearing up for another big year for the town.

We have become used to grappling with the financial pressures that continually envelop the council and these will again be at the forefront of our work while we continue to provide the services for the residents of Swindon.

Yet our work will not stop there. Delivery will be a key theme for the council over the next 12 months where significant progress will be made on a number of projects.

We got off to the perfect start with the revamped Junction 16 of the M4 being completed on time, which will add much-needed capacity in the years to come.

Our plans to refurbish the Carriage Works, thanks to £2m of council investment, are progressing well, while we are continuing to work up plans to breathe new life into the town centre Kimmerfields site.

A significant blot on the town centre skyline could also receive a major makeover in the not too distant future and, of course, we have high hopes for the North Star Village complex which is on track to come before the planning committee in the next few months.

Many of these projects form part of the Council’s Pledges and, after successfully delivering on a number of these promises, we will see further progress from building more affordable homes and schools to the development of the new district centre at Wichelstowe.