COUNCIL leader Mike Bawden has been confirmed as Swindon's mayor for the second time.

Coun Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn), who stood down as Conservative leader following his party's success in the May 4 local election, said he was looking forward to using the role to push for more chances for youth and business in the town.

"Swindon is lucky but what is vitally important is that we generate the high-quality jobs that this borough needs," Coun Bawden said.

But he warned areas of unemployment and disadvantage could not be ignored or forgotten.

Coun Bawden said Swindon lacked an "environment of aspiration with educational achievement", something he wanted fixed by getting a university in to the town.

He said the council needed to make sure it did not lose touch with the business community and the jobs that go with it.

"We have got to re-engage with the business community," Coun Bawden said.

"We have got to show we mean what we say about being the best business location."

He said Swindon had changed dramatically since he was mayor in 1982-83.

He said the railway works had closed along with other large factories.

But he said the town could now boast a varied lot of industries.

"We have a broad employment base," Coun Bawden said.

"That has come about by a lot of hard work by a lot of people."

Coun Bawden was elected unopposed.

In a replay of 1982, Coun Bawden asked Swindonian George Gramlich to return to be mace bearer at the mayor-making ceremony.

His wife Joyce will take up the role of lady mayoress.

Coun Bawden said he also wanted to use the mayor's position to help raise money for charities, headed by Prospect Hospice.

Outgoing mayor Ray Fisher thanked the council for giving him a wonderful year.

Coun Fisher (Con, St Margaret) said the high point was the council rising to a two-star rating.

"I leapt in to the air and kicked my heels," Coun Fisher said.

"It's due to the phenomenal work by Mike Bawden.

"We have got all sorts of wonderful directors. We have got some stardust around. It's as though the fairies have been around.

"The low point of the year was the chamber of commerce. To see them go under was an absolute disaster.

"They went bust for half a million."

Coun Fisher said being mayor gave him the chance to meet different members of the Swindon community.

"One of my first jobs was to go along to an arm wrestling final," Coun Fisher said.

"I lost three straight bouts to a 23-year-old young lady.

"She turned out to be the world champion."

Labour councillor Michael Barnes (Western) was elected deputy mayor.