SWINDON Council’s “arrogant” administration is failing to listen to the people of Swindon, according to opposition councillors.

At their inaugural meeting under the stewardship of Coun Derique Montaut, the Labour group’s shadow cabinet pledged to do more to engage with the voters.

Labour leader, Coun Montaut (Central), said: “The Tory administration in Swindon is becoming increasingly arrogant in the way that it runs the council. You only have to look at the way they have cut services without proper consultations over the past few months to see that.

“The Labour group is committed to engaging and listening to the people of Swindon – it is their council and they should be able to have their say on how it is run. My new shadow cabinet will be leading on this. From now on we will be holding our meetings in various locations across the borough and will be spending time talking to local residents on the key issues affecting the council.

“People feel disconnected from politicians at the moment and it is vital that we show we want to listen to the people who have put their trust in us. This process will be key to developing our policies to drive Swindon forward in the future. I am proud to be working with the team I have around me and I keen to use their skills to produce real outcomes for our town.”

The new shadow cabinet consists of Coun Jim Grant as deputy leader and spokesman on transport, regeneration and the environment; Coun Des Moffatt has responsibility for resources and property; Coun Fay Howard for education, young people and culture; Coun Ray Ballman for health and social care; Coun Steve Allsopp for housing and strategic development, and Coun John Ballman for communities, leisure and supporting people.