Following my party’s success in last week’s Swindon Borough Council elections, I have a long list of thank-yous to issue.

Some are personal, and to them my acknowledgements have already been offered.

But for others, I feel a more public recognition is appropriate.

First of all, our annual democratic exercise would not have been able to go ahead without the tireless work of the council’s elections team, especially given the added pressures of preparing, rather unexpectedly, for European elections being held later this month.

Other acknowledgements must go to the diligent counters who were

sitting in the Oasis leisure centre until the early hours of the morning totting up the votes. It’s a difficult job but also a vital one.

I would like to thank, too, the voters of Haydon Wick who have allowed me to continue to represent them as their ward councillor, something I am incredibly proud to have done for the past 17 years.

It was a hard-fought election campaign but one that, on balance, was carried out in good faith.

There were some excellent candidates standing in every ward in Swindon, and wearing rosettes of various colours.

In many ways, this year’s elections were a triumph of local politics. Despite Westminster’s focus on

Brexit and the internal party divisions that are splintering national politics, here in Swindon we saw countless numbers of dedicated activists

hitting the streets to talk about

local issues – issues that matter a

great deal to people in their daily

lives.

As ward councillors, there is very little that we can do about the big issues facing our national politics at present.

But we can promise to serve our ward residents to the very best of our abilities, and I am sure that I speak

for members of all parties on that score.

This year, a number of members decided to stand down.

In the Conservative Party, these included Priory Vale’s Toby Elliott,

Old Town’s Claire Ellis, Chiseldon & Lawn member Fionuala Foley, St Margaret & South Marston’s John Haines and St Andrews councillor Mary Friend. In Penhill & Upper Stratton we say a fond farewell to Teresa Page.

On the Labour benches, we said goodbye to Liden, Eldene & Park South councillor Chris Watts and Central ward’s Julie Wright.

I am sure that these esteemed colleagues will be missed by everyone in the council chamber.

To all of the new members of Swindon Borough Council, a warm welcome. To those who were unsuccessful in contending their

seats, sincere commiserations. And

to those who stood down, I wish you

the best of luck in your future endeavours.