David Renard and Oliver Donachie The election of Coun Tomlinson in Priory Vale my turn the page on a difficult chapter in north Swindon Conservative politics. Until May 2020, Emma Faramarzi, whose resignation triggered this week’s by-election, was a senior member of the ruling Conservative group. She had been a member of the cabinet and was the chairman of an influential overview and scrutiny committee. Her partner Oliver Donachie was the cabinet member with responsibility for the economy in the cabinet of his fellow Haydon Wick councillor David Renard. But relations between Coun Renard and, in particular, Coun Donachie broke down at some point.
David Renard and Oliver Donachie The election of Coun Tomlinson in Priory Vale my turn the page on a difficult chapter in north Swindon Conservative politics. Until May 2020, Emma Faramarzi, whose resignation triggered this week’s by-election, was a senior member of the ruling Conservative group. She had been a member of the cabinet and was the chairman of an influential overview and scrutiny committee. Her partner Oliver Donachie was the cabinet member with responsibility for the economy in the cabinet of his fellow Haydon Wick councillor David Renard. But relations between Coun Renard and, in particular, Coun Donachie broke down at some point.
LOCAL ELECTIONS
Swindon Borough Council leader with new councillors Sudha Nukana (Rodbourne Cheney) and Daniel Smith (Penhill & Upper Stratton) THE Conservatives strengthened their grip on power in Swindon as Labour’s red wall in the centre of town collapsed. As votes were counted at Steam yesterday, the Tories always looked likely to hold on to their majority in Euclid Street. But on a day to remember for the party up and down the country they sealed the deal with three stunning victories in Penhill & Upper Stratton, Rodbourne Cheney and Central. All three wards have been solid Labour seats until now – with even the loss of Penhill in 2019 attributable to a split Labour vote.
Arguments over the Oasis leisure centre dominated the debate over Swindon Borough Council’s budget for next year. But despite Liberal Democrat and Independent Tory support for a Labour proposal to guarantee £5m for the Oasis, and the ruling Conservative group having one councillor missing and one who initially voted the wrong way, the Conservative majority won and the administration’s budget was adopted. It will see a general fund of £153m for day-to-day spending over the next financial year, largely funded by council tax which will go up by 4.99 per cent. Nearly three per cent of the increase will be ringfenced to pay for adult social care.
1/1 WHILE Greens are the outsiders of Swindon politics – as they are often nationally – the local party is hoping 2021 might be different. With national politicians from the main parties talking about an economic and social green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, environmental campaigners in Swindon think this could be a chance to make inroads and take a seat or two in the council chamber. Elections agent Andy Day said the group was pleased the May vote is going ahead in the first place. He said: We contacted both Swindon MPs last year, urging them to ensure that the local elections go ahead – and can go ahead safely.