The leader of Swindon Borough Council now has two years to develop and deliver policies before having to face the electorate again.

Assuming Councillor Jim Robbins is re-elected by the 41 Labour councillors in the chamber as group leader next week - and he has put his name forward - then he said the priority will be to show his administration is making a difference by 2026

Cllr Robbins said, as it became apparent that his party would continue in power for the next two years: “For the first year there was a lot to do to understand our new role and to get to grips with the mess left behind by the previous Conservative administration - we had to understand the financial situation and address the inadequate rating Ofsted gave the children’s services department.

“Now we have a new senior leadership team in place and I’m excited about the challenge and being able to bring forward the new Swindon Plan.

“In two years time, I want people to see that we are building a better Swindon and addressing inequality and that they are being included in that, that they have a say, and are part of what we are doing.”