Swindon Borough Council
In Swindon, the echoes of its historic railway industry resounded through this year’s council elections, with Labour Council Leader Jim Robbins at the helm like a seasoned train conductor. Under his leadership, Labour charged down the tracks, gaining eight seats and seizing territories long-held by the Conservatives, including pivotal stations like Haydon Wick, Shaw, and Priory Vale.
The day could have been more dismal for the Conservatives, who narrowly clung to the rails in their stronghold wards such as Covingham and Dorcan by a slim margin of less than 100 votes. The Liberal Democrats, on a different track, found themselves outpaced in Wroughton and Wichelstowe, where the Tories managed one of their few robust performances of the day.
While Cllr Robbins might feel comfortably in control of the council, there’s a lingering question as to why Labour didn’t surpass their previous gains from 2023, especially given more favourable national polls. Certain areas like St Andrews remained stubbornly blue, putting a slight brake on Labour’s victory lap, with close calls in St Margaret and
South Marston also tempering celebrations. The resilient campaign engine built by Conservative MP Justin Tomlinson in North Swindon might explain some of the Tories’ tenacity. His efforts over the years have laid down tracks that are tough for Labour to dismantle.
However, based on today’s results, it’s clear that more than just a well- organised campaign and hard work will be necessary for the Conservatives to keep their remaining seats in Swindon on track and derail a potential Keir Starmer-led government.
