The ended the first set of results – five councillors in four wards with room if not for optimism, at least some hope. 

The first result, Blunsdon and Highworth was a very solid hold for the Conservatives, electing new councillor Vijay Manro  replacing cabinet member Maureen Penny. 

Kevin Small, long-term senior Labour councillor for Mannington & Western looked at risk, and the tightness of the vote was shown when candidates were looking at spoiled ballots very keenly indeed. But he emerged victorious by 132 votes. Labour’s majority slashed, but enough for a win. 

Over in Old Town where the Conservatives had real hopes, Labour’s Jane Milner-Barry cruised home in the end, increasing her vote share to 51 per cent. In any circumstances, but particularly on a day when Labour were being defeated in Hartlepool, this was a handsome victory. 

The last of the four wards Wroughton & Wichelstowe is something of a Tory stronghold and had two councillors  elected. Conservative cabinet member held his seat well, and party colleague Dave Martyn won a by-elections caused by the resignation of Liberal Democrat. 

These were obviously good results to the Conservatives, and put the party closer to holding on to power, but not unexpected. 

As counting started on the next four wards, Swindon was still in the balance. 

Check out the analysis for rounds two and three.

All the results so far are here. For regular updates, visit our live blog.