I WOULD like to pay tribute to the council staff and all those who worked to make last week’s elections free, fair, and efficient.

Could any of us have imagined that Swindon would have been the second town to declare a result in the whole country?

This was a superb illustration of good planning, management and delivery by a council department and I will be writing personally to thank those involved.

Both Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson were returned as our local Members of Parliament and I look forward to working with them so that Swindon’s voice continues to be heard at the highest levels.

I would also like to commend Mark Dempsey’s concession speech as a model of dignity.

Mark did not seek re-election to the council because of the General Election and so will not be in the Council Chamber next year, either.

While I have not always agreed with Mark’s views, I know that he always acted honourably and public life in Swindon was richer for his participation.

A number of new people were elected to the council last Thursday: Paul Dixon for Eastcott, Chris Watts for Liden, Eldene and Park South, Caryl Sydney-Smith for Lydiard and Freshbrook, Emma Bushell in Walcot and Park North and Cathy Martyn in Wroughton and Wichelstowe.

In addition, we welcome back to the council former members Stephanie Exell in Mannington and Western and Claire Ellis in Old Town.

A number of sitting councillors were also chosen again by their residents namely John Ballman, Alan Bishop, Toby Elliott, Fionuala Foley, Mary Friend, Jim Grant, John Haines, Dale Heenan, Nick Martin, Teresa Page, Julie Wright, and myself.

I look forward to working with all councillors as the borough tackles the many important issues ahead.

While there was an improvement in the General Election turn out, as a local councillor I am particularly pleased that in a number of wards more people voted in the local elections than in the parliamentary elections.

In Blunsdon and Highworth, Chiseldon and Lawn, and Wroughton and Wichelstowe, the turnout was more than 70 per cent, which is most welcome.

This high turnout, in part, was due to the intense efforts of the candidates and their supporters.

Unless you have been involved in a campaign, it is hard to appreciate the months of hard work that goes into every election. The canvassing, delivery of leaflets and the fundraising to pay for it all largely comes from local volunteers.

Without their efforts, there would be no choice at the ballot box. I hope this enthusiasm for participation continues.