David Renard, the leader of the Conservatives at Swindon Borough Council, and leader of the council itself, will stay on for at least another year.

But he has a new deputy leader.

The 36-strong group of Conservative councillors had two decisions to make just three days after a stunning election in last week. The group elects its leaders every year- Coun Renard had already put his name forward to continue for a ninth year – but former deputy leader Russell Holland was also standing for the top job.

Coun Holland was standing on a joint ticket with fellow cabinet member Gary Sumner who stood for deputy leader.

His opponent was Dale Heenan, another member of Coun Renard’s cabinet.

Coun Renard and then Coun Sumner were elected.

After the vote Coun Holland said: “I fully respect the democratic process, and I look forward to working for a bright future for Swindon.”

Strictly speaking Coun Renard has to be voted in as leader of the council  by elected members at the authority’s next meeting on May  21. That is a formality now he has the support of his group with a 15-seta majority in the council chamber.

The Labour group also had its annual meeting  on Monday. Labour councillors elected Jim Grant to continue as leader. Coun Grant had faced a challenge from Junab Ali.