After a very poor showing in the local elections in Swindon, the borough’s Labour politicians are thinking hard about where the party goes from here.
Labour saw any hope of challenging the Conservatives – who have been in charge of the borough council for nearly 20 years – disappear on Friday. The ruling Tory group increased its majority in the chamber from three seats to 15, taking some long-standing Labour wards in the process.
But amid the shock and gloom of losing in wards such as Penhill & Upper Stratton, Rodbourne Cheney and Central, and losing veteran councillor Steve Allsopp in Liden, Eldene and Park South, there were a couple of bright spots.