It is unknown in recent political history for there to be an independent candidate standing in every ward in an election for Swindon Borough Council. 

But this year there will be 21 – one each in 19 wards, plus two standing in Haydon Wick. 

One of those in Haydon Wick is sitting councillor Oliver Donachie - until last year a member of the Conservative group, and the cabinet running the council. 

LISTED: All the candidates standing in this year's Swindon elections

A schism with the party meant he left the cabinet - and later the group -  in summer and has since described himself on the council’s website and on Facebook as Independent Tory, although he will be on the ballot paper as an independent. 

The other 20 independent candidates appear to be making up a loose alliance of people protesting at coronavirus restrictions. 

One - former UKIP parliamentary candidate Martin Costello - says all 20 are part of what he calls an alliance of independent candidates. 

Mr Costello said: “Concerned and politically homeless voters who feel that none of the parties represent their views on vaccine passports and strict lockdown measures have stepped up to give the borough a chance to vote against the status quo.

"We are running in every ward in Swindon to turn the local elections into a referendum so that Swindonians who want to demand an immediate end to lockdown, say no to health passports and no to mandatory vaccinations can do so democratically and send a strong message to the political establishment. 

“We feel this is a fundamental attack on our liberties and urge those who feel the same to express this through the ballot box. None of the parties are speaking against this so we feel it is a duty to be the opposition that is desperately needed.

“We are a diverse alliance of independents with the same values who want to make a difference, serve our community and make it a place to be proud of once again.

“We understand this feat has never been achieved in Swindon before and is likely to be the only full slate of independent candidates in the United Kingdom.” 

The elections will be held on Thursday, May 6.